The Kansas City Chiefs will be without running back Kenneth Walker III for Sunday’s matchup in Atlanta. Walker injured his groin during Thursday’s practice, missed Friday’s session and was initially listed as questionable before being ruled out.
Kansas City coach Andy Reid said the team would not risk worsening the injury. The decision gives Walker extra time to recover and leaves the Chiefs without a key part of their rushing attack.
## Walker’s Absence Changes the Matchup
Walker has rushed for 872 yards and seven touchdowns on 159 carries this season, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. He has also recorded 26 catches for 172 yards and four receiving touchdowns. His 109 rushing yards per game lead the NFL, while his season total ranks second behind Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson, who has 880 yards in nine games. Walker has played eight.
The matchup had been set to feature the NFL’s two leading rushers. Walker is coming off a performance against the New York Jets in which he recorded 102 rushing yards and three total touchdowns in Kansas City’s 35–12 win.
Kansas City signed Walker this offseason after he earned Super Bowl LX MVP honors with Seattle. The Chiefs average 137.8 rushing yards per game, fifth in the league. Atlanta’s defense allows 118.8 rushing yards and has surrendered 10 rushing touchdowns, ranking 17th against the run. Walker’s absence removes one challenge for a Falcons defense that is also adjusting after Jessie Bates III was traded to Jacksonville at the deadline.
## Rookie Emmett Johnson Expected to Lead Kansas City’s Backfield
Rookie Emmett Johnson is expected to take on a leading role in the backfield. He has gained 111 rushing yards and scored once on 26 carries, while adding 14 receptions for 237 yards and a receiving touchdown.
The Chiefs have other questions at running back. Rookie Jaydn Ott is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, and Kansas City elevated Nate Carter from its practice squad.
Atlanta will still face a formidable offense. Patrick Mahomes has thrown for 2,037 yards and 14 touchdowns, and the Chiefs rank second in the NFL with 384.1 total yards per game.
The Falcons are 3–6 after a 34–17 loss to Cincinnati. Kansas City is 6–2 following its victory over the Jets. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
