Kenneth Walker has become a major part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, but a groin issue could keep the star running back out of the team’s Week 10 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Walker is officially listed as questionable after experiencing tightness in his groin on Friday.
The injury is a concern for a Chiefs team that has relied heavily on Walker this season. He has rushed for 872 yards and seven touchdowns on 159 carries, and his average of 109 yards per game leads the league. Whether he can play against Atlanta may depend on how he feels as the game approaches.
## Kenneth Walker’s Rise to a Featured Role
Walker entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2022 draft after playing college football at Michigan State. The Seattle Seahawks selected him, and he quickly established himself as an important part of their offense.
In his rookie season, Walker ran for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns on 228 attempts. He then spent much of the following three seasons sharing the backfield with fellow second-round selection Zach Charbonnet.
Walker’s role changed during the 2025 postseason. After Charbonnet suffered a season-ending injury, Walker became Seattle’s primary running back. He delivered a standout postseason performance and played a key role in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl championship.
That run helped set the stage for Walker to sign a major contract with Kansas City, where he took on the role of featured back. His production this season has been strong: 872 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 159 attempts, with a league-leading 109 rushing yards per game.
## What Walker’s Status Means for the Chiefs
Walker’s possible absence would be a significant setback for Kansas City. He has been the team’s leading offensive player, and his production has helped shape the Chiefs’ offense. The unit may still be able to function without him, but Walker’s presence gives Kansas City a stronger version of its attack.
If Walker cannot play, the Chiefs could turn to Emmett Johnson. Johnson has performed well in limited opportunities this season, but he has not yet been tested in the same way as an every-down featured back. A larger workload would give him a chance to contribute while also requiring the team to adjust to Walker’s absence.
The Chiefs will be hoping the groin tightness does not prevent Walker from taking the field. His questionable designation means his availability remains uncertain, and the team’s plans could depend on how the injury responds before kickoff.
## Chiefs Face the Falcons in Week 10
Kansas City is set to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10. Atlanta has shown signs of life with Michael Penix under center, but the matchup presents a challenge against a talented Chiefs team.
The Chiefs may still be favored by the article’s assessment of the matchup even if Walker is unavailable, but his absence would remain important. His rushing production and featured role make him difficult to replace, particularly for an offense that has not looked as dominant as it has in previous seasons.
For now, Walker’s status is the central question ahead of the game. If he is cleared to play, Kansas City will have its most productive offensive player available. If he is ruled out, the Chiefs are likely to rely more on Johnson and make adjustments to their backfield plans.
Walker’s groin tightness does not guarantee that he will miss the game, but the questionable listing leaves his Week 10 availability unresolved. The Chiefs will be monitoring the situation as they prepare to take on Atlanta.
