Seahawks to Make Change at Running Back Amid Major Decision: Insider

Seahawks place running back Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve – KIRO 7 News Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks appear to be making a change in philosophy when it comes to the team’s running backs. Much has been made about Ken Walker’s series of injuries throughout training camp and the offseason, but the running back may be headed for a reduced role regardless of health.

ESPN’s Brady Henderson revealed that the Seahawks are bullish on Zach Charbonnet and the backfield could be more of a “timeshare” this season with the team’s RB2 expected to have a “bigger role.”

“Zach Charbonnet is in line to have a bigger role in the Seahawks’ backfield this season than you might assume,” Henderson wrote on August 2, 2025. “Ken Walker III might still be the RB1, but the ongoing questions about his durability and the way Charbonnet continues to impress Seattle’s coaches suggests it could be more of a timeshare than a starter-backup arrangement.

“… Walker’s absence last year opened the door for Charbonnet (909 scrimmage yards, nine total touchdowns in 17 games) to emerge. He routinely draws praise for his professional approach, and he’s missed just one game in two seasons. … Charbonnet’s disciplined rushing style seems like a good fit for the outside zone scheme that will be a staple of Klint Kubiak’s offense.”

Seahawks RB Ken Walker Is Projected to Land a $41 Million Contract Amid Injury Concerns

The backdrop for the conversation about the running backs is Walker’s uncertain future in Seattle. Walker is on the final year of a $8.4 million rookie contract and will likely be seeking a raise on his next deal.

Ken Walker III, in final year of his rookie deal, says he’s focused on football and not his contract.

“I just want to make a positive impact on my team and go out there and play to the best of my ability. That's what I've been wanting to do since my rookie year to now.” pic.twitter.com/ONncAeLTQ2

— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) August 4, 2025

Spotrac projects Walker’s market value to be a four-year, $41.5 million contract. Will Seattle be willing to give Walker a lucrative contract given his recent injury history?

Ken Walker Missed 6 Games in 2024 & Has Battled a Foot Injury During Training Camp

The Seahawks’ desire to re-sign Walker at a higher price point likely depends on how this season plays out. Not only with the star’s ability to stay healthy, but the performance of the other running backs like Charbonnet. Rookie running back Damien Martinez is also looking to carve out a role.

Ken Walker III is back after missing three practices with what Mike Macdonald called foot soreness. Macdonald is also back after he was absent yesterday for personal reasons. Olu Oluwatimi, out yesterday, is here but doesn’t appear to be practicing. pic.twitter.com/Sy2J5Ord43

— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) August 5, 2025

After being sidelined with a foot injury in training camp, Walker is back on the practice field. Walker missed six games in 2024, but it is worth noting that the running back played in 15 contests in each of the previous two seasons.

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald on Zach Charbonnet: ‘He’s Just a Stud’

Head coach Mike Macdonald sounds bullish on Charbonnet’s outlook heading into the season. It will be worth watching to see how much Charbonnet eats into Walker’s carries during the season, regardless of the running back’s health.

“Zach, he’s just a stud,” Macdonald said of Charbonnet, per Henderson. “He’s just everything you want in a person and a football player, that’s him. He just does it every day. Same person, great spirit, strong as an ox, does everything right. I mean, what do you want from a football player? Zach Charbonnet.”

The running back posted 135 carries for 569 rushing yards and eight touchdowns while playing in all 17 games in 2024. Charbonnet also added 42 catches for 340 receiving yards and a TD through the air.