Seahawks Set to Rely Heavily on Kenneth Walker III Following Stellar Performance

RENTON, Wash. – Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is in awe of the standout performance from Kenneth Walker III after his return to action, particularly given their previous encounters at Michigan State. "This guy's playing at a really high level," Macdonald expressed admiringly. He recounted the unforgettable game back on October 30, 2021, when Walker dominated the field, rushing for an astounding 197 yards and equaling a school record with five touchdowns against Macdonald's Michigan team.

With Walker back from an oblique injury that had sidelined him for two games, the Seahawks are eager to utilize his dynamic skill set. As they prepare for the upcoming game against the New York Giants, set for Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), Macdonald and his team are ready to lean significantly on Walker.

In their recent match against the Detroit Lions, the Seahawks were forced into a pass-heavy game plan due to a 14-point deficit early on, limiting Walker to just 12 carries despite his remarkable ability to convert those into three touchdowns and 80 total rushing yards. The game served as a poignant reminder of what the Seahawks have missed since Walker exited during the opener against the Denver Broncos, a game where he rushed for 103 yards and scored a touchdown on 20 attempts.

Zach Charbonnet, who filled in as the starter during Walker's absence, put together impressive statistics of his own with 176 yards and three touchdowns across two performances. While Charbonnet has proven to be a capable substitute, Macdonald acknowledges that Walker's explosive playmaking ability is irreplaceable.

Walker showcased his electrifying talent against the Lions, where he not only made significant rushing yards but also showcased agility and speed, clocking 20.33 MPH on one of his touchdown runs, which ranked as the 12th-fastest time by a ball carrier in Week 4.

Quarterback Geno Smith praised Walker, stating, "Man, he's special. The plays he's making are unparalleled, and having him alongside Zach gives our offense a potent edge."

Macdonald expressed confidence in the Seahawks’ run game, suggesting they would increasingly rely on Walker to help soften opposing defenses as the season progresses. Entering Week 5, however, the Seahawks ranked only 31st in designed rush rate (32.7%), indicating the need to recalibrate their strategy moving forward.

Heading into their clash with the Giants, who are positioned 15th in rushing yards allowed per game (118.8) but struggled as they rank 24th in yards allowed per carry (4.7), Walker's presence is timely. His capacity to break tackles and find gaps in defenses could be a game-changer.

As the Seahawks look to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing loss and navigate through a wave of defensive injuries, Macdonald made it clear: "We are going to be leaning on him moving forward. His toughness and competitive spirit are exactly what this team needs right now."

With Walker now ready to take on a more significant role, fans can expect an exhilarating journey ahead for the Seahawks, who aim to bounce back strong in the coming weeks. Will Walker lead them to victory? Stay tuned!