Who Should I Start? Kenneth Walker III or Kaleb Johnson

Tuesday, June 10, 9:17 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) has been limited during practice due to an ankle injury, according to head coach Mike Macdonald. "But he should be fine," Macdonald added. It seems that Walker is always dealing with some kind of lower-body injury. The 24-year-old has yet to play a full season in the NFL and played just once in the final five weeks of the 2024 season due to an ankle injury before eventually finishing on Injured Reserve. It's yet another reminder that Walker is as injury-prone as they come as an RB2 in fantasy. When healthy, though, Walker has been productive, scoring 24 rushing touchdowns in 41 games over three seasons. Seattle is expected to lean heavily on their rushing attack in 2025, so Walker would be the primary beneficiary if he can stay on the field. Handcuffing Zach Charbonnet to him would be a wise move.

Monday, May 12, 12:07 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie third-round running back Kaleb Johnson knows he must improve his pass-blocking skills if he wants to earn the coaching staff's trust with the hope of becoming an "every-down back" sooner than later. At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Johnson led the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,537), rushing touchdowns (21) and all-purpose yards (1,725) at Iowa in 2024. He's a scheme fit for Pittsburgh's zone-centric offense given his efficient production, writes The Athletic's Mike DeFabo. Even if the 21-year-old doesn't catch a ton of passes, he could stand out in fantasy with his big-play ability. There's opportunity in the Steel City, too, with Najee Harris no longer in town. Johnson is likely going to share touches with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, but he probably has the highest fantasy upside of the trio already.