Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III got off to a slow start in the Seahawks’ opener against the San Francisco 49ers. In the first half alone, Walker had four carries for just four yards.
Walker was not too useful for Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold in the first half alone. By the third quarter, Walker had nine carries for five yards. What’s happening with him in the game?
What Happened to Kenneth Walker III?
Fellow Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet scored on a goal-line run in the second quarter to tie the game at 7-7 at the time.
But Walker was not able to have any major impact in the first half.
Zach Charbonnet in for SIX
SFvsSEA on FOXhttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/ig5ueSIUlQ
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
The Seahawks were looking to get their running game going, but it was held pretty much in check. Walker is in his fourth season in the NFL, all with Seattle. Before Sunday’s opener, Walker had totaled 2,528 career yards and 24 touchdowns.
Heading into the season opener, what type of fantasy football analysis was out there? PFSN’s Kyle Soppe offered some thoughts on Walker.
“You’re allowed to ask plenty of questions when it comes to the profile of Kenneth Walker III,” Soppe wrote. “Can he hold up for a full season after missing multiple games in all three of his NFL seasons? Why has he lost over 8% in terms of yards per carry in consecutive seasons? Will Zach Charbonnet assume a greater role in a Sam Darnold-led offense than he did in years past?
What Is Concerning About Walker For Fantasy Players?
“Those are all fair concerns that impact the former second-round pick’s long-term outlook. What I’m not worried about is Week 1.
“A fresh Walker is a problem, and this San Francisco 49ers defense is a liability in a major way,” Soppe wrote. “The 49ers gave up 29 or more points in five of seven games to close the 2024 season and finished as the second-worst red zone defense in the league, so I can’t imagine I need to convince you this defense is not anywhere close to the image that comes to mind when you first think of this franchise.
Seahawks RB workload at the half
Zach Charbonnet: 9 attempts, 34 yards, 1 TD
Kenneth Walker III: 4 attempts, 4 yards— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 7, 2025
“Walker has scored 18 PPR points in each of his past four September games. That may seem like a random stat, and at some level, it is, but I do think there’s something to it.
“When is he ever going to be healthier?” Soppe wrote. “There were two games in 2024 in which Walker had a run gain of more than 20 yards, and they both came in September. There were three games in which he ran for a score and earned at least three targets, and all three came in his first four contests of the year.
“Selling high on Walker could well be a discussion we are having in the next month or so. For now, enjoy a healthy version of him. An explosion version. A version that will make you think anything is possible and that you might have a league-winner on your hands.”
For Seattle to secure a victory over San Francisco, the Seahawks will need Walker to pick up the pace.
