The Chiefs will be without one of their main offensive performers when they take on the Falcons on Sunday afternoon.
Kansas City has enjoyed a sizzling start to the season thus far, reestablishing itself as one of the NFL’s top sides after a dour 2025 campaign.
One of the leading reasons for that resurgence is Kenneth Walker III. The newly-acquired tailback has been one of the league’s best rushers thus far, producing yards in bunches to spearhead the Chiefs’ attack alongside Patrick Mahomes.
Walker was licking his lips at the opportunity to face off against a Falcons defense that has conceded more than 200 rushing yards twice this season. However, a recent development indicates Kansas City will have to look elsewhere in its effort to get its ground game rolling on Sunday.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Kenneth Walker III injury update
The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero reported that Walker was cut down by a “minor” groin injury during Kansas City’s practice on Thursday. He’s not expected to miss much time as a result of the ailment, but the Chiefs — in an abundance of caution — are expected to rule him out of Sunday’s game.
Walker, 26, has enjoyed the best season of his career thus far, ranking second in the league in rushing yards (872). He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in five of his eight games this season, flirting with a 2,000-yard campaign before seeing his pace fall off ever so slightly.
With Walker on the mend, Jaydn Ott is expected to handle the lion’s share of carries. The rookie logged three carries for 19 yards last week — his official NFL debut.
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