Kenneth Walker's Sudden Injury Concern Puts Kansas City Chiefs In A Difficult Spot Before Crucial Falcons Clash

Chiefs face unexpected setback as Kenneth Walker injury emerges© Getty via AFP

Kenneth Walker III did not practice on Friday, and the Kansas City Chiefs now have a real question at running back before Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Andy Reid said Walker showed up that morning with a tight groin. The team listed him as questionable on its final injury report. Walker had not appeared on the report all week, which makes the timing awkward. He ranks second in the NFL with 872 rushing yards, and the Chiefs have leaned on him heavily. Reid did not say whether Walker will play in Atlanta.

Kenneth Walker's groin injury leaves the Chiefs in a tough spot

Reid kept his explanation simple when he spoke to reporters on Friday. “Kenneth Walker came in this morning and had a tight groin, so we just sat him out of practice,” he said. Reid admitted he is not sure how it happened. “Somewhere he tweaked it,” Reid said. He also noted that Walker rarely raises a complaint. “He's not one to say something like that, but he was tight this morning.”

Walker has not been ruled out. He has not been cleared either. Questionable on this report means the call could come on Sunday morning.

The staff will watch how Walker responds to rehab Friday afternoon and again on Saturday. “We're not going to put him at risk or anything, that's not how we roll,” Reid said. “If he can go he will go, if he can't, he can't.” That leaves the Chiefs waiting, and a final answer may not come until just before kickoff.

What a Walker absence would mean for the Chiefs' offense

Walker has carried much of this offense. His 872 rushing yards trail only one player in the league, and he has added 26 catches for 172 yards. He has 11 touchdowns, seven on the ground and four through the air, and those four receiving scores already set a career high. Taking that production out on short notice would change how the Chiefs plan their drives.

Rookie Emmett Johnson would be the obvious name to see more work if Walker sits.

Depth behind him is also thin. Jaydn Ott, the third-string back, hurt his hamstring in practice this week and is listed as questionable. Cornerback Mansoor Delane is questionable too, while Jaylon Moore, Peter Woods and Omarr Norman-Lott are all out.

Injuries followed Walker in Seattle. His only scare with the Chiefs before this was a minor ankle issue that cost him the preseason finale. He has not missed a game this season.