Kenneth Walker ankle swelling tied to shoe issue, Andy Reid says
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker is dealing with ankle swelling that head coach Andy Reid traced to a shoe issue, not a serious structural injury. Walker missed multiple practices and the Aug. 28 preseason finale against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, but Reid called it short-term and said Walker should be ready for the regular season.
The setback surfaced as Walker adjusts to a new chapter in Kansas City. After four seasons in Seattle, where he rushed for 1,027 yards last year and earned Super Bowl MVP honors with 135 rushing yards in the title game, Walker signed a three-year, $43.05 million contract with the Chiefs this offseason. Early camp absences always draw attention, but Reid's explanation has eased concerns for a team rebuilding its rushing attack after missing the playoffs last season.
Key Takeaways
- Andy Reid said Kenneth Walker's ankle swelling came from a shoe issue, not a boot-or-brace-level injury.
- Walker missed the Chiefs' last two practices and did not play in the preseason finale against Seattle on Aug. 28.
- Reid called the problem short-term and said the team is focused on reducing swelling before the regular season.
- Walker joined Kansas City on a three-year, $43.05 million deal after winning Super Bowl MVP with the Seahawks.
- The teams meet again in Week 7 on Sunday Night Football at Seattle's Lumen Field.
What Did Andy Reid Say About Kenneth Walker's Ankle?
Reid addressed Walker's absence on Wednesday, telling reporters the swelling stemmed from a shoe problem. According to Bleacher Report, Walker was not wearing a boot or brace, though he remained held out of practice. Reid later reinforced that message before the preseason finale, telling KMBC, "He's OK. He's going to be fine. We're just trying to get that swelling out of there."
Field Gulls reported Reid also said the swelling was merely due to Walker's cleat and that he is not expected to be sidelined long-term. Walker had been a non-participant in the Chiefs' last two practices before the Seattle game.
Why Does Kenneth Walker's Injury Matter for the Chiefs?
Kansas City invested heavily in Walker to revamp a backfield that lacked depth beyond him. Emari Demercado, who had 312 rushing yards for Arizona last year, serves as the primary backup, with rookie fifth-round pick Emmett Johnson out of Nebraska behind him. Walker's absence also joins a crowded camp injury list that includes safety Chamarri Conner, quarterback Chris Oladokun, and left tackle Josh Simmons, among others.
For a franchise pushing to return to the playoffs, keeping its starting back healthy is essential. Reid's assessment that the issue is not long-term suggests Kansas City still expects Walker to anchor the ground game once swelling subsides.
Will Kenneth Walker Face the Seahawks Again This Season?
Walker will not face Seattle in the preseason, but the rematch arrives quickly. The Seahawks host Kansas City on Sunday Night Football in Week 7 at Lumen Field. Reid held out multiple starters for the preseason finale, including Patrick Mahomes and 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons, so Walker's absence fit a broader rest strategy even beyond the ankle concern.
Reid told reporters he would evaluate other starters on a day-to-day basis before the game. Even without a preseason reunion, both fan bases will be watching closely when Walker returns to Seattle in the regular season.
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Footwear problems occasionally sideline even elite athletes, showing how small equipment details can affect availability at the highest level. From advanced cleat design to recovery analytics, technology increasingly intersects with player health across the league. Follow more crossover stories on sports, innovation, and performance in our Future Tech & AI Wonders coverage hub.