Is Kenneth Walker III Playing in Week 12? Seahawks Announce Surprise Injury to RB Ahead of Game vs. Titans

The Seattle Seahawks head into Week 12 looking to strengthen their playoff position as they travel to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Seattle has leaned on a balanced offense and timely defense to stay in the NFC race, with running back Kenneth Walker III playing a central role in the team’s success.

Kenneth Walker III’s Injury Status Clouds Seahawks’ Week 12 Plans

Friday’s injury report initially raised eyebrows when Walker was listed as questionable with a glute injury. ESPN’s Brady Henderson noted it was the first time all season Walker’s name had appeared on Seattle’s injury report, a surprising development given his durability through the first 10 weeks of the regular season.

“The Seahawks list RB Ken Walker III as questionable for their game at Tennessee Sunday because of a glute injury, which is apparently new. In fact, this is the first time all season that Walker’s name has even appeared on Seattle’s injury report,” he wrote.

The Seahawks list RB Ken Walker III as questionable for their game at Tennessee Sunday because of a glute injury, which is apparently new. In fact, this is the first time all season that Walker’s name has even appeared on Seattle’s injury report.

— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) November 21, 2025

Despite the designation, head coach Mike Macdonald reassured reporters that Walker is “fine to play Sunday,” easing concerns about his availability. Walker, now in his fourth NFL season, has rushed for 606 yards and four touchdowns through 10 games, giving Seattle a consistent big-play threat in the ground game.

Ken Walker III is listed questionable with a glute injury but he’s fine to play Sunday, Mike Macdonald says

— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) November 21, 2025

His impact is reflected in his PFSN NFL RB Impact Score of 76.2, which ranks 22nd among all running backs. Walker’s ability to break off chunk gains has been critical in keeping Seattle’s offense balanced, particularly in close games where his explosiveness has shifted momentum.

Backup Zach Charbonnet remains a secondary option if needed, having carried 350 yards on 105 rush attempts with six touchdowns. His RB Impact Score of 61.9, ranking 41st out of 43 eligible backs.

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Charbonnet has shown flashes of reliability in short-yardage situations but has struggled to generate the same level of production, underscoring Walker’s importance to the offense.

Titans’ Defensive Woes Present Opportunity for Seahawks

Seattle enters at 7-3 under Macdonald, seeking to rebound from a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11. The Titans, 1-9, own a PFSN Defense Impact Score of 68.9, ranking 25th in the league and underscoring their struggles against both run and pass.

Quarterback Sam Darnold will look to bounce back after throwing four interceptions last week, and the Titans’ decimated secondary could give Seattle’s passing attack room to operate.

Walker’s availability looms large, as his explosiveness has been a difference-maker in tight contests.

However, with matchups against the Indianapolis Colts, Rams, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers looming in the final month of the regular season, the Seahawks may still consider managing his workload carefully to preserve his health for the stretch run.

Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, where Macdonald is expected to provide further updates on Walker’s status before the game.