Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III has officially been ruled out of Sunday's Week 10 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons due to a groin injury.
Walker suffered the injury during Thursday's practice and reported tightness to the team's medical staff Friday morning. After missing Friday's practice, he was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out Saturday morning.
According to ESPN and NFL.com, the injury is considered minor. Kansas City is taking a cautious approach, choosing to give Walker additional recovery time rather than risk aggravating the injury.
This will be Walker's first missed game of the 2026 season. Through eight games, he ranks second in the NFL with 872 rushing yards and has scored 11 total touchdowns.
Chiefs' Backfield Outlook
Rookie running back Emmett Johnson is expected to make his first career start and handle the majority of the workload against Atlanta.
The 2026 fifth-round pick has recorded 111 rushing yards, 237 receiving yards and two touchdowns in limited action this season.
Kansas City's backfield depth could also be tested. Fellow rookie Jaydn Ott is questionable with a hamstring/groin injury, while Nate Carter has been elevated from the practice squad to provide additional support.
S³ Assessment
Walker's absence represents a significant challenge for Kansas City's offense. His production on the ground has helped establish offensive balance and reduce pressure on Patrick Mahomes.
Johnson now has an opportunity to prove he can handle a larger role, but replacing the NFL's second-leading rusher will be no easy task.
The Chiefs remain capable of defeating Atlanta, but their offensive approach may require adjustments without their leading running back.
S³ | Sweet Science Sports
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