The Kansas City Chiefs had a busy offseason, and one of their splashy moves was the signing of running back Kenneth Walker III away from the Seattle Seahawks. Tuesday brought the first notable health concern surrounding their new lead back.
Walker did not practice because of a foot injury. Kansas City has not announced a specific diagnosis or shed light on the severity, leaving the reigning Super Bowl MVP’s status worth monitoring as the Chiefs approach their preseason finale against his former team.
Kenneth Walker III’s Injury Status After Missing Practice
On Tuesday, it was simply reported that Walker would not practice because of the foot issue. There has been no report of when the injury occurred or whether testing revealed structural damage.
Walker has a history of lower-body injuries, including foot soreness that interrupted his 2025 training camp with Seattle, but there is currently no indication that the new issue is related.
Kansas City signed Walker in March after he rushed for 1,027 yards and 5 touchdowns during the 2025 regular season, then exploded for 135 yards in Seattle’s Super Bowl LX victory. He earned Super Bowl MVP honors before signing with the Chiefs as the centerpiece of a rebuilt backfield.
Walker has spent camp working as the clear lead back. Kansas City also plans to expand his receiving responsibilities, something Walker said this offseason was a major part of his transition to Kansas City. Last season, his 75.1 PFN RB Impact Score ranked 23rd among all running backs.
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The timing of this injjury gives Kansas City reason to be cautious. The team’s regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos is not until Sept. 14, and the Chiefs have little incentive to push Walker through an August foot problem before knowing exactly what they are dealing with.
Chiefs’ RB Depth Chart Behind Kenneth Walker
Kansas City’s unofficial depth chart lists Walker as the lead back, followed by Emari Demercado, Emmett Johnson, Brashard Smith, Jaydn Ott, and EJ Smith.
Demercado holds the No. 2 spot and brings three years of NFL experience. General manager Brett Veach has specifically praised his pass protection and receiving reliability, making him a logical option on passing downs if Walker misses time.
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Johnson may offer the most intriguing path to a larger rushing workload. The fifth-round rookie ran 12 times for 59 yards in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, then scored Kansas City’s first preseason touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Running backs coach DeMarco Murray praised Johnson’s physical running style after his debut.
Brashard Smith gives Kansas City another versatile option and can contribute as a receiver and returner. Ott and EJ Smith remain deeper on the roster and are fighting for spots as the Chiefs approach final cuts.
The backfield has some depth, but Walker would not be easily replaced. Kansas City signed him to provide the explosive element its running game lacked last season and has spent camp preparing him for a large role in both the rushing and passing games.
For now, there is no evidence that Walker’s foot injury threatens Week 1, but there’s also not enough info to dismiss the possibility. This is definitely a situation worth monitoring.
