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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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Kenneth Walker has helped the Kansas City Chiefs get off to a fast start this season, with the team sitting at 6-2 and firmly in the hunt for another Super Bowl under Andy Reid.
Walker has thrown his name into the same conversation as elite running backs like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, with 872 rushing yards (second-most in the NFL), 172 receiving yards, and 11 total touchdowns. His 1,044 total scrimmage yards rank fourth in the league behind only Gibbs (1,132), Robinson (1,130), and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,065). Kansas City's decision to make him their bell cow back has paid off both for the Chiefs and Walker, last year's Super Bowl MVP.
Unfortunately, he won't be available when the team takes on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Saturday morning that the Chiefs have officially ruled Walker out for the contest due to a groin injury. Schultz added that the injury isn't considered long-term and the team is just "playing it safe."
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Walker popped up late on the injury report Friday, showing up that morning and reporting groin tightness/soreness before the final practice of the week. He was subsequently held out of Friday's practice session and listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Walker has dealt with groin injuries previously in his career, including a groin injury in August 2022 that required a minor procedure, and a Grade 1 groin pull in 2023. Last season was the first of Walker's career that he played through a full 17-game slate, so it felt like it was only a matter of time before something popped up.
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Losing an elite running back on such short notice is a big blow for the Chiefs, but if there's a team capable of handling the loss, it's Kansas City. Fifth-round rookie Emmett Johnson, the primary backup, has looked explosive this year and can catch passes out of the backfield. In eight games this season, he's rushed for 111 yards and one touchdown on 26 carries (4.3 yards per carry), along with 237 receiving yards and one receiving score on just 14 catches (16.9 yards per catch).
Johnson should be able to handle lead back duties with Walker sidelined, especially against a Falcons defense that ranks middle of the pack against the run, allowing 118.8 rushing yards per game.
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