Kenneth Walker
Running Back #9
Kenneth Walker News
Kenneth Walker Could Be Over-Hyped
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker is coming off a big postseason run with the Seahawks that culminated in his Super Bowl MVP Award. After joining the Chiefs this offseason, Walker is being drafted very early in most fantasy drafts, coming off the board in the early rounds. He's ranked RotoBaller's RB No. 7, and he definitely brings top-10 RB potential in his new role with his new team. However, Walker had trouble staying healthy until last season, and he shared a lot of the work with Zach Charbonnet. He finished the regular season with 1,027 rushing yards and 282 receiving yards, with just five total touchdowns. Coach Andy Reid has typically mixed in multiple backs in the past, and the team used a fifth-round pick on Emmett Johnson, while Brashard Smith is also still in the mix. Walker has RB1 potential, but he is less of a sure thing than some of the other RBs being drafted in the same tier. If you do draft Walker, be sure to have plenty of depth at the position with possible pivots if he ends up in a timeshare.
Sep 1, 2026 5:59 AM EST
Kenneth Walker Could Help to Transform Chiefs' Offense
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker could play a key role in taking the offense to new heights this season, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN.com. "The Chiefs know Walker presents a more dangerous threat that should force linebackers and safeties to move forward before Mahomes attempts a play-action pass," Taylor wrote. He also noted that Walker was fourth in percentage of runs that gained 10 or more yards last year, and that quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently identified Walker as the reason he's particularly intrigued by the Chiefs' offense. It can be tough to know which hype we should believe during the preseason, but it does seem like Walker could be the answer to the Chiefs' problems. The Chiefs certainly think so, as they signed the ex-Seahawk to a three-year, $43 million deal. If Kansas City can get the run game going this year, they'll remain the favorites to win the AFC West. As it stands, Walker is the RB9 in RotoBaller's latest half-PPR fantasy football draft rankings for 2026.
Aug 27, 2026 7:50 PM EST
Kenneth Walker at the Heart of Chiefs' New Offense
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker has made it clear that his running style preference is to work under center, which is expected to be a big part of the team's offense in 2026, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. Walker, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, presents a dangerous threat that should force linebackers and safeties to move forward before quarterback Patrick Mahomes attempts a play-action pass. Walker ranked fourth in percentage of runs that gained 10-plus yards, according to NextGen Stats. "No. 9. That's all I can say," Mahomes said, referencing Walker's jersey number, when asked what intrigues him most about the offense. "That change and the ability to catch, run, pass protect, do everything. [He can] make a play out of nothing into a 20-yard gain. That's going to be the biggest impact, I think, we'll have -- just finding the ways to get him the ball." If KC can make Walker more of a true dual-threat player, they should have more success as they attempt to get back to the playoffs. "He looks like he's the full package," head coach Andy Reid said of Walker. "He works at it. That's the part I appreciate. He's always asking questions." If Walker can avoid injuries in 2026 in his first year in KC, his volume alone as the team's workhorse should give him a high floor as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in fantasy.
Aug 27, 2026 3:14 PM EST
Kenneth Walker is "Gonna be Fine"
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Wednesday that running back Kenneth Walker's (ankle) shoe caused some swelling around his ankle but added that "he's gonna be fine," according to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star. The initial report on Walker was that he missed training camp practice earlier this week with a foot injury, but it was never considered very serious after he was seen walking without a limp and without a brace of any kind on his foot on Tuesday. The 25-year-old will most likely be held out of the preseason finale on Friday against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, but all signs point to the Super Bowl MVP being a full-go as KC's workhorse RB for a Week 1 showdown on Monday night against the division-rival Denver Broncos. The former second-rounder by Seattle in 2022 from Michigan State played all 17 regular-season games in 2025 and had the second 1,000-yard rushing season of his career while scoring five times on the ground and adding 31 catches for 282 yards as a receiver. Walker has a history of lower-body injuries, but if he can stay healthy, his volume alone with the Chiefs should give him a high floor as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in fantasy football.
Aug 26, 2026 10:29 AM EST
Kenneth Walker Walking Around Fine at Practice
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker (foot), who missed training camp practice on Tuesday with a foot injury, did not have any brace or boot on his foot and was seen walking around "just fine," according to Matt Foster. It doesn't sound like Walker is dealing with a serious injury, but he almost certainly will be held out of the team's preseason finale this Friday against the Seattle Seahawks as the team looks to have him back to 100% for the Week 1 season opener against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Monday, Sept. 14. If the 25-year-old Super Bowl MVP misses any more time this week with his foot injury, it will allow backups Emari Demercado and rookie Emmett Johnson to get more backfield work in training camp. With an expected workhorse role in his first season in KC, Walker has clear RB1 upside in 2026 if he can avoid the lower-body injuries that have plagued him in the past. The former second-rounder in 2022 from Michigan State had his second 1,000-yard season and five rushing touchdowns in 17 starts last year in his final season in Seattle, adding 31 receptions for 282 yards as a receiver on 36 targets.
Aug 25, 2026 1:22 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III's Strong Summer Interrupted by Foot Issue
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III is not expected to practice Tuesday because of a foot issue, according to Matt Derrick. It's the first real interruption in what has otherwise been an impressive first summer with the Chiefs. Walker has been heavily involved throughout camp, with Kansas City getting him the ball in the screen game and finding different ways to use him as a receiver. He arrived after rushing for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries with Seattle last season, adding 31 catches for 282 yards. Walker has looked headed for a sizable role in Kansas City, which makes the foot issue worth watching even without any indication yet that it will cost him significant time. For now, Tuesday's absence simply puts a pause on the momentum he had been building.
Aug 25, 2026 9:30 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III Getting Workhorse Treatment in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III has been everywhere in training camp. The Athletic reports that Walker is getting the ball "all the time," with the Chiefs leaning on him in the screen game and using him as the primary back in the red zone. That's a pretty sharp change from Seattle, where Zach Charbonnet took a big chunk of the work. Walker ran for 1,027 yards on 221 carries last season but scored only five times. Charbonnet, meanwhile, had 12 rushing touchdowns on 184 carries. Walker also caught 31 passes for 282 yards, and Kansas City has been testing that part of his game much more this summer. Andy Reid has rotated backs by series plenty over the years, but The Athletic says that doesn't appear to be the plan here. If the camp usage holds, Walker is headed for more catches, more goal-line chances and a heavier overall workload. That's a big fantasy boost for a back who already showed during Seattle's Super Bowl run that he can carry the load.
Aug 21, 2026 7:37 AM EST
Chiefs Hope Kenneth Walker Reshapes the Offense
According to Pete Sweeney, writer for The Kansas City Star, the Chiefs didn't just sign Kenneth Walker to run; they hope he reshapes the offense. The Chiefs went out and got the Super Bowl MVP Walker in the offseason from the Seahawks, and signed him to a three-year, $43.05 million contract to be the team's lead running back after they moved on from Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. Walker, entering his age 25 season, was one of the NFL's most efficient runners in the league, as he ranked sixth in evaded tackles, fourth in explosive rating, third in breakaway, and 12th in yards per touch. Reports from camp have also suggested that the Chiefs brought him in for his explosiveness and plan to get him more involved in the passing game. Last season, his ceiling was capped by Zach Charbonnet, who had 12 rushing touchdowns, and Walker enters a Patrick Mahomes-led offense where he will not have much competition for touches with Emari Demercado, Emmett Johnson, and Brashard Smith behind him. RotoBaller ranks him as the RB10 for the season, and he has the upside to finish inside the top five given his projected workload and explosiveness.
Aug 20, 2026 5:35 PM EST
Kenneth Walker Could See His Biggest Workload Yet
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker could finally get the kind of workload he never quite had in Seattle. Jesse Newell of The Athletic reports that Walker is primed to be the Chiefs' clear workhorse after spending last season sharing carries with Zach Charbonnet. Walker still topped 1,000 yards, rushing 221 times for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, but he was on the field for only 46.8% of Seattle's offensive snaps. Charbonnet had 184 carries of his own and saw 50 red-zone rushes to Walker's 31. Kansas City has been showing off another part of Walker's game in camp, too, getting him loose on screens more than once. Patrick Mahomes has been openly excited about what Walker can add, and the Chiefs currently list him first on the depth chart ahead of Emari Demercado and rookie Emmett Johnson. More work near the goal line and in the passing game would make Walker even more interesting after an already efficient 2025 season.
Aug 13, 2026 11:10 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III Poised to Shine in Chiefs' Screen Game?
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III scored a long touchdown on a screen pass in training camp practice on Thursday and brings a new element to the team's screen game in 2026, according to Matt McMullen of Chiefs.com. Walker III is entering his first year in Kansas City after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Seattle Seahawks. Across 17 games with Seattle in 2025, the 25-year-old recorded 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 252 touches. Walker III's fantasy upside with the Seahawks was limited due to his shared workload with Seattle back Zach Charbonnet (knee). However, Kansas City appears set to deploy Walker III as a true three-down workhorse. His explosive ability in space could pair especially well with the Chiefs' screen game, which is operated by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and designed by Hall of Fame play-caller Andy Reid. Walker III carries high-end RB1 upside in redraft leagues entering 2026.
Jul 30, 2026 7:37 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III Primed for Workhorse Role in KC
New Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III finished the 2026 season with the Seattle Seahawks as just the No. 22 fantasy RB in half-PPR scoring after running for 1,027 yards and five rushing touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts, adding 31 receptions (36 targets) for 282 yards as a pass-catcher. But he went off in the postseason, leading the NFL in carries (65), rushing yards (313), and rushing touchdowns (four) on his way to being named Super Bowl MVP, and he parlayed that into a three-year deal with the Chiefs in free agency in March. Unlike in 2025 when he shared backfield touches with Zach Charbonnet, the 25-year-old former second-rounder out of Michigan State figures to be used as more of a true workhorse in his new digs as the Chiefs look to get back to the playoffs in 2026. Walker earned a reputation for being a run-first back in his four years with the Seahawks, but he suggested that the Chiefs could use him more as a pass-catcher, with rookie Emmett Johnson, Emari Demercado, and Brashard Smith vying for backup duties behind him. Walker also had a reputation for nagging lower-body injuries in Seattle. The volume increase in KC will give him a higher floor as more of a low-end RB1 target in 2026 fantasy drafts, but his injury history will also make him somewhat of an RB1 bust candidate in his first year in the AFC West.
Jul 22, 2026 7:40 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III has Been a Culture Fit With Chiefs
The Athletic's Jesse Newell writes that new running back Kenneth Walker III's "work ethic and no-nonsense style have already been an early culture fit" this offseason alongside Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The Chiefs paid up for Walker in free agency on a three-year deal, hoping that he'll add an explosive element to their running game that was sorely lacking in 2025 with the combination of Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco. The infusion of Walker's work ethic and no-nonsense style has been welcomed after they believed "their work standard and attention to detail slipped" during last year's 6-11 campaign. The 25-year-old had his second 1,000-yard rushing season in four years in the NFL in his final season in Seattle, and he capped it off by being named Super Bowl MVP in the Seahawks' win over the New England Patriots back in early February. If Walker is used more as a pass-catcher in Bieniemy's offense, he'll have an even higher floor as an RB1 in fantasy, although his lengthy history of lower-body injuries also gives him plenty of bust potential. RotoBaller currently has Walker ranked as the No. 9 fantasy RB for his first year in KC in 2026.
Jul 7, 2026 7:34 AM EST
Is Kenneth Walker III Still Undervalued in Redraft Leagues?
After being named the MVP of Super Bowl LX in February, running back Kenneth Walker III signed a three-year, $43 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in March. The 25-year-old has been a productive player over the past four years as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, averaging 1,140 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns per season. However, he's never recorded more than 255 touches in a season and had his 2025 workload with the Seahawks impacted by the presence of Seattle back Zach Charbonnet (knee). In Kansas City, Walker III profiles as the clear number one back and should see all the touches he can handle. As long as he can stay healthy, Walker III may currently be undervalued in redraft formats as a lower-end RB1.
Jun 18, 2026 8:31 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III has Work to Do Before Becoming a Complete Back
When asked if there is anything that new running back Kenneth Walker III can improve at, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy pointed to pass-blocking and receiving, according to Nick Roesch of Heavy.com. The Chiefs made a big splash in free agency by signing Walker, the Super Bowl MVP with the Seattle Seahawks to close out last season, and with the return of Bieniemy, he's expected to be part of a much-improved rushing attack for KC. "First of all, what I want Kenneth to work at is just understanding that we just have to become a better player when the ball is not in our hands," Bieniemy said. The 25-year-old former second-round pick (41st overall) by Seattle in 2022 out of Michigan State had his second 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025 and added five rushing TDs, but he really took off in the postseason, gaining 313 yards and four TDs on 65 carries over three games. Walker is no stranger to lower-body injuries in his NFL career, but with the Chiefs looking to make him more of a complete back, he'll clearly be in the RB1 conversation as a top-12 fantasy back in his first season in the AFC West.
Jun 8, 2026 4:40 PM EST
Kenneth Walker III Could be More Involved as Pass-Catcher With Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III suggested on Up & Adams that he could be used more as a receiver with his new team in 2026. The MVP of Super Bowl LX while with the Seattle Seahawks has been spending time with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) this offseason and is preparing for an expanded role as a pass-catching RB. "We've been working on getting connected in the passing game and everything, so that's good," Walker told Kay Adams. "I feel like I'll be used more in the pass game." Walker averaged fewer than 40 catches and 300 yards receiving per season over his four years with the Seahawks. He was most involved as a pass-catcher in 2024, catching 46 passes on 53 targets, but it came with just 299 receiving yards, and he has only two receiving scores in his career. In the last five years, the Chiefs have featured three different RBs with at least 40 catches in a season, and in two of those seasons, Eric Bieniemy was the offensive coordinator. The move to KC is a definite boost for Walker's fantasy value in redraft and dynasty leagues, and RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 10 overall RB for the 2026 season.
May 6, 2026 7:05 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III a Major Dynasty Riser After Offseason Move to Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs made one of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason by signing running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43 million contract in free agency. Walker III recorded 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 252 touches across 17 games as a member of the Seattle Seahawks in 2025. The 25-year-old did so despite splitting touches with fellow Seahawks back Zach Charbonnet (knee) for the majority of the year. In Kansas City, Walker III profiles as the clear lead back and could easily top 300 touches for the first time in his career if he can stay healthy. The Chiefs' offense could have some struggles in the early going while star quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) makes his way back from knee surgery. Still, Kansas City should put Walker III in a position to rack up consistent fantasy production. In dynasty formats, Walker III profiles as a major riser following his offseason change of scenery.
Apr 19, 2026 10:18 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III Could See Major Workload Increase in Kansas City
After being named the MVP of Super Bowl LX while playing for the Seattle Seahawks in February, running back Kenneth Walker III landed a lucrative three-year, $43 million contract in free agency from the Kansas City Chiefs in March. Even while losing carries to fellow Seahawks back Zach Charbonnet (knee) throughout 2025, Walker III still finished the season with 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 252 touches. In Kansas City, Walker III profiles as the clear RB1 and could surpass the 300-touch mark for the first time in his NFL career. Injuries remain a slight reason for fantasy managers to take caution with Walker III, as he missed 10 games over his first three seasons as a pro. The Chiefs' offense could also struggle early in 2026 as star quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) works his way back from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 campaign. Still, Walker III's value in dynasty formats is surging as he enters his first season in Kansas City.
Mar 30, 2026 11:49 AM EST
Is Kenneth Walker III a Top-10 Dynasty Running Back?
The Kansas City Chiefs made a big splash in the early portion of free agency by signing running back Kenneth Walker III away from the reigning Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks. Across 17 games with Seattle in 2025, Walker III recorded 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 252 touches. The 25-year-old spent most of the year splitting touches with fellow Seahawks back Zach Charbonnet (knee) until Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in the NFC Divisional Round. In Kansas City, Walker III should be the clear number one back and could easily set a career-high in touches. While the Chiefs may be without quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) in the early portion of 2026 as Mahomes recovers from a knee injury, Walker III should be well-positioned for success in an offense that is typically one of the NFL's best. As long as he can stay healthy, Walker III has a clear pathway to fantasy RB1 production for the duration of his three-year contract in Kansas City.
Mar 12, 2026 6:18 AM EST
Kenneth Walker III Signing With the Chiefs
Former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is signing a three-year, $45 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. It's about the best possible landing spot for Walker, who was named Super Bowl LX MVP last month. The Chiefs were in desperate need of backfield help with both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt hitting free agency this week. The 25-year-old Walker will help stabilize KC's backfield as they look to get back to the postseason in 2026. Walker had 1,027 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 221 carries in 17 regular-season starts last year, adding 31 receptions for 282 yards through the air. Seattle paired Walker with Zach Charbonnet (knee) to keep him healthy for a full season for the first time in his career. Walker added 313 rushing yards and four TDs in three postseason games to raise his price in free agency even more. Now in KC, Walker will have plenty of upside as a high-end RB2/low-end RB1 in fantasy.
Mar 9, 2026 8:43 AM EST
Giants Priced Out of Kenneth Walker III's Market
SNY's Connor Hughes reports that the New York Giants were very in on Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent running back Kenneth Walker III, "but the price simply got too high." The same can be said for Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum. Despite already having Cam Skattebo (ankle) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. in their backfield for 2026, the Giants are invested in the RB market this offseason under new head coach John Harbaugh. After finally playing a full season in his fourth year in the NFL, Walker produced his second 1,000-yard rushing season in 17 regular-season starts. The former second-rounder saved his best for the postseason, though, rushing for a league-high 313 yards and four touchdowns on his way to being named Super Bowl LX MVP. Although Walker is still an injury risk in fantasy, he will be the market-setter at the position in free agency and could command up to $15 million per year on a new contract.
Mar 8, 2026 8:39 PM EST
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