Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is expected to play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12 despite being listed as questionable with a glute injury, giving Seattle a major boost just hours before kickoff in Nashville. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported late Saturday night that Walker is on track to suit up, echoing head coach Mike Macdonald’s confidence that the issue is largely precautionary.
Seahawks Get Kenneth Walker Boost Before Titans Matchup
Walker was a late addition to the Seahawks’ Week 12 injury report on Friday with a glute issue and was officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s road game at the Tennessee Titans. It was notable because it marked the first time all season that Walker’s name had appeared on Seattle’s injury report.
Macdonald downplayed the concern heading into the weekend, calling the designation “precautionary” and saying the team was simply managing some soreness. He indicated Walker “should be fine” and described the situation as maintenance rather than a new, serious injury.
Rapoport then tightened things up for fans and fantasy managers on Saturday night, posting that Walker “is expected to play after being listed as questionable,” citing Macdonald’s comments to reporters.
The Seahawks enter Sunday at 7-3 and looking to bounce back from a frustrating Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Tennessee, at 1-9, has struggled all season and has been vulnerable on the ground, allowing over 130 rushing yards per game and ranking near the bottom of the league against the run.
Kickoff between the Seahawks and Titans is set for 1 p.m. ET at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
What Kenneth Walker Playing Means for the Seahawks Offense
Walker’s availability is a big deal for a Seattle offense that has increasingly leaned on him in recent weeks. Through 10 games, he has rushed for over 600 yards and four touchdowns, leading the team in carries and explosive runs.
After opening the season in more of a true committee with Zach Charbonnet, Walker has been earning a larger share of the snaps and touches. Coaches have praised his explosiveness, his work in the passing game, and the way he has responded to coaching points in practice. Over the last few games, Seattle has been more willing to keep him on the field on third down and near the goal line.
Macdonald has said Walker is “earning more opportunities to get the ball,” and that has shown up both in his snap count and his usage in high-leverage situations.
Against a Titans defense that has struggled to slow opposing ground games, having Walker at or near full strength is a significant boost. Tennessee has been giving up big chunks on the ground, and Seattle already sits in the top half of the league in rushing yards per game while ranking near the top in designed rush rate under Macdonald and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
If Walker had been limited or unable to go, Charbonnet and depth back George Holani would have been tasked with carrying the load. While Charbonnet has been effective in short-yardage and pass-protection situations and has six rushing touchdowns of his own, Seattle clearly views Walker as the offense’s most explosive back and a key to keeping defenses honest for quarterback Sam Darnold.
Instead of scrambling for a last-minute adjustment to the game plan, the Seahawks can now proceed with their usual Walker-centric approach in the run game, with Charbonnet still mixing in as a complementary back.
Seahawks Injuries, Titans Matchup & Week 12 Context
Walker’s expected availability comes amid a mixed overall injury picture for Seattle. Rookie guard Grey Zabel is considered a game-time decision after suffering a knee injury in last week’s loss to the Rams, with Christian Haynes ready to step in if Zabel can’t go.
Wide receiver Tory Horton (shin) and linebacker Tyrice Knight (concussion) have already been ruled out, while linebacker Ernest Jones IV and fullback Robbie Ouzts are also listed as questionable.
Even with those absences, the Seahawks are heavy favorites on the road against a Titans team that has just one win and ranks near the bottom of the league in scoring. The matchup sets up as an opportunity for Seattle’s offense to get back on track after red-zone issues and turnovers helped sink them in Los Angeles.
Walker’s presence should help Seattle lean into what it wants to be offensively: a physical, run-first team that can control tempo and set up play-action shots to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the rest of the receiving corps.
Key stats & schedule context
- Seahawks record: 7-3 overall, in the NFC playoff mix.
- Titans record: 1-9 entering Week 12.
- Walker 2025 stat line: 606 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs through 10 games, plus receiving production.
- Titans run defense: bottom third of NFL in rushing yards allowed per game.
- Next Seahawks games after Titans: vs. Vikings (Week 13), at Falcons (Week 14), vs. Colts (Week 15).
A strong performance from Walker on Sunday wouldn’t just calm any lingering injury concerns — it would also reinforce his growing role in Seattle’s offense heading into a critical stretch of the schedule
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