Kenneth Walker III laid claim to the RB1 role for the Seattle Seahawks when he arrived in 2022. The second-round draft pick out of Michigan State quickly established himself as a powerful option, carrying the ball 228 times for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 games during his rookie season.
However, while Walker remains listed as the Seahawks’ RB1, he faces uncertainty entering his fourth pro season. His position atop the depth chart is no longer guaranteed.
Will Kenneth Walker III Keep His Starting Job?
Walker has struggled through a difficult training camp. He’s been battling a persistent foot injury that has limited him to only a handful of practices. This absence has opened the door for his backup, Zach Charbonnet, to showcase his abilities on the field.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Walker. With limited practice time, he’s unable to build chemistry with the offensive line or demonstrate his readiness for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Charbonnet gets daily opportunities to impress the coaching staff.
Who Is Zach Charbonnet?
Charbonnet enters his third season after the Seahawks selected him in the second round out of UCLA in 2023. During his final college season in 2022 with the Bruins, he proved to be a bruising, tough-to-bring-down back who ran for 1,359 yards on 195 carries with 14 touchdowns and an impressive 7.0 yards per carry.
At 6’1″ and 214 pounds, Charbonnet combines excellent balance and coordination with incredible strength. He possesses solid speed and acceleration, can blow through holes, and proves very difficult to tackle when he reaches the second level of defense.
Zach Charbonnet > Kenneth Walker III in patience, vision, pass pro, hands, physicality, and durability.
Seattle’s offense is built to produce a league-winner — and it’s going to be Charbonnet.#FantasyFootball pic.twitter.com/xsDSOFj0t7— Pat Mitchell (@PatMitchellFF) August 20, 2025
While Walker has been sidelined, Charbonnet continues proving he can be an integral part of the offense. His daily presence on the practice field gives him valuable opportunities to make a lasting impression on the coaching staff.
What’s Happening With Walker?
The Seahawks probably won’t trade or release Walker, but his 2024 season raised concerns about his durability. Injuries limited him to just 12 games, 153 carries, and 573 rushing yards, though he did manage seven rushing touchdowns.
During Walker’s absence last season, Charbonnet stepped up with 135 carries, 569 yards, and eight rushing touchdowns. His ability to produce when called upon has only intensified rumors that he’s pushing Walker for not just additional carries but the starting job itself.
This competition creates an interesting dynamic. Walker needs to prove his health and reclaim his role, while Charbonnet aims to build on his impressive 2024 performance.
Who Will Be the Starter?
As ESPN reports, the Seahawks appreciate both players, and Walker hasn’t been excluded from their plans. The team sees value in having multiple options at the position.
“He looks great,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald told ESPN. “He’s fast. He’s hitting his targets, reading it out pretty well. It’s exciting to have him out there. When he’s been out there, he’s been really good.”
The Seahawks will likely utilize both backs in a timeshare or one-two punch approach. Walker enters the final year of his rookie contract, creating additional motivation to put together a strong season that could earn him a lucrative second deal.
That contract year pressure, combined with Charbonnet’s emergence, sets up one of the more intriguing backfield battles heading into the 2025-26 season.
