Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III is expected to return next week against the Arizona Cardinals after missing Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons with a groin injury.
Walker sat out Friday’s practice after reporting tightness in the area and was officially ruled out Saturday. The team views the issue as minor and not a long-term concern, according to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“Somewhere he tweaked it,” Reid said of Walker’s groin injury Friday. “He’s not one to say something like that, but he was tight this morning. We’re feeling it out to see where we’re at. We’re not going to put him at risk or anything, that’s not how we roll. If he can go he will go, if he can’t, he can’t.”
Rapoport indicated the absence is largely precautionary after the Thursday practice setback left little time for recovery before the Falcons game. The Chiefs believe Walker should be able to go for the Nov. 22 matchup at home against Arizona.
The 26-year-old has been a major part of Kansas City’s offense in his first season with the team. He has rushed for 872 yards on 159 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt with seven touchdowns.
Walker also has 26 receptions for 172 yards and four scores, giving him 1,044 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns through eight games. He ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards, eight behind Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson, and leads the league in rushing yards per game at 109.0.
Kansas City sits at 6-2 and remains in the mix for the AFC West and a playoff spot. The coaching staff has prioritized keeping Walker healthy for the stretch run rather than risking further damage on a short turnaround.
Rookie Emmett Johnson is expected to start in Walker’s place against the Falcons. The fifth-round pick out of Nebraska has 26 carries for 111 yards and one touchdown this season, along with productive work as a receiver.
Johnson’s receiving numbers include 14 catches for 237 yards, with a big outing against Denver earlier this year that earned him league recognition. The Chiefs have expressed confidence in the young back’s ability to handle a larger role for one week.
The groin tightness first surfaced when Walker arrived at the facility Friday morning. He had practiced fully earlier in the week before the issue appeared ahead of the final session.
Multiple reports describe the injury as a minor strain. Sources told ESPN and NFL Network that the Chiefs wanted to give Walker a full week of rest rather than push him for the Atlanta trip.
Walker joined the Chiefs in free agency after four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he posted multiple 1,000-yard rushing campaigns. His production this year has given Kansas City a consistent ground game to complement Patrick Mahomes.
The Cardinals visit Arrowhead Stadium in Week 11. With a full week of recovery available, the expectation is that Walker will be available to resume his workload as the primary back.
The Chiefs added wide receiver Josh Downs via trade earlier this week, providing another option in the passing game while Walker is out. Downs is set to make his debut against Atlanta as he gets up to speed with the offense.
Kansas City’s approach reflects a measured stance with a key contributor. By holding Walker out of the Falcons game, the team aims to have him ready for the remainder of the regular season and any postseason push.
