The Seattle Seahawks are 3-0, one of just five undefeated teams remaining in the NFL.
However, with wins against the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Tua-less Miami Dolphins, the Seahawks are still trying to prove themselves. This week, they’ll have a terrific litmus test against the Detroit Lions on “Monday Night Football.” Kenneth Walker III has missed the last two games due to an oblique injury. Will he be available for Week 4?
What Is the Latest Injury Update for Kenneth Walker III?
Fortunately, Walker will return from his oblique injury on Monday night. This is huge for the Seahawks, who will need all of the help they can get against the Lions’ fourth-ranked run defense.
Seattle’s leading rusher missed the last two games against the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins. Fortunately for the Seahawks, Zach Charbonnet stepped up in Walker’s absence, turning his 32 carries and nine targets into 176 yards and three touchdowns.
Now, both members of the Seahawks’ one-two punch will be healthy. Walker was able to get in limited practices on Thursday and Friday, and he wasn’t even listed on the injury report over the weekend.
The Seahawks rank fifth in points per game (14.3) and eighth in yards per play (6.1) in the first half of games this season. That falls to 18th in PPG (9.0) and 19th in yards per play (4.9) in the second half. Seattle will aim to take the raucous Lions crowd out of the game early, so establishing the run will be crucial in keeping Detroit’s defense off-balance.
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The aforementioned Charbonnet has been playing admirably in Walker’s stead, rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns vs. the Dolphins in Week 3. He’ll likely still have a role on Monday, mixing in and spelling Walker at times.
Fantasy Outlook
Let’s break down the fantasy outlook for both of Seattle’s talented running backs.
Kenneth Walker III Fantasy Outlook
As the lead back in the Week 1 win over the Broncos, Walker looked the part of an elite value at his ADP, carrying 20 times for 103 yards and a score. However, expecting him to come right off the injury and assume elite work is a step I’m not willing to take. Plus, the Lions’ run defense is coming off of a strong performance in which they held Cardinals running backs to 32 yards on 13 carries.
That said, Charbonnet has 40 carries this season but has yet to break a run of more than 13 yards. The touch count might not lean heavily in Walker’s favor in his return to action, but there’s no denying where the upside resides.
In a game that should see plenty of points scored, I’m planning on having Walker starting in all leagues in which I have him — thinking that the upside is greater than the downside that comes with some dispersion of touches.
Zach Charbonnet Fantasy Outlook
If ever there was any doubt about Seattle’s backup plan when Walker is sidelined, that was put to bed in Weeks 2-3. In two games against the AFC East, Charbonnet turned 32 carries and nine targets into 176 yards and three scores.
In Sunday’s win over Miami, he was the only Seahawks player with a rushing attempt until garbage time. While there weren’t any real splash plays in his 21-touch afternoon, he was plenty productive for those who plugged him in.
I think it’s fair to pencil him in for roughly 80% of Walker’s production when he sits, but asking this backfield to support two fantasy-viable RBs is a step I’m not willing to take.
With Walker returning, I’d have Charbonnet riding the pine of my fantasy teams in Week 4.