Seahawks Expected To Be Without Star In Clash Against Patriots

It looks like the New England Patriots won't have to deal with one of the Seattle Seahawks' top offensive weapons in Sunday's Week 2 matchup.

The Seahawks on Friday listed star running running back Kenneth Walker III as doubtful for the game after the Michigan State product didn't practice at all this week due to an oblique injury.

The 23-year-old sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of Seattle's season-opening win over the Denver Broncos. He carried the ball 20 times for 103 yards and one touchdown in that game but didn't record a rush for the final 10:50 of the contest.

Walker most likely being sidelined will take away an explosive playmaker for the Seahawks, but they feel they can still get production out of their backup running backs, especially Zach Charbonnet, who is expected to start if Walker sits. Charbonnet caught a decisive 30-yard touchdown against the Broncos.

"I think Charb has a lot of the same skill sets," Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb told reporters Thursday, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. "He's an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He's a very, very capable pass protector and obviously a very powerful runner. So I don't think there's anything in the game plan that would change if Ken was unavailable. So for us, it is business as usual."

The Seahawks also will have third-string running back Kenny McInTosh available to try to make up for the void left by Walker if he doesn't play.

Walker's potential absence isn't the only thing that will make it an uphill battle for Seattle's ground game against the Patriots. The Seahawks also listed right tackle George Fant as doubtful. He suffered a knee injury 13 plays into the first game of the season.

Walker and Fant in all likelihood being out is an advantageous break for the Patriots, who are looking to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2019. Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.