Kenneth Walker III ankle injury tied to shoe issue, Reid says
Kenneth Walker III is sidelined with a swollen ankle that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid blamed on a shoe or cleat issue, not a long-term injury. Walker missed two practices and will not play in Kansas City's preseason finale against Seattle on Friday, though Reid said the swelling should clear and Walker is expected back for the regular season.
Kansas City made Walker one of its biggest offseason investments, signing the former Seahawks star to a three-year, $43.05 million deal after he rushed for 1,027 yards and earned Super Bowl MVP in 2025. His absence from Friday's matchup against Seattle drew attention because it would have been his first look against the team he left after four NFL seasons.
Reid addressed Walker's status on Wednesday, telling reporters the running back had ankle swelling tied to footwear rather than a structural problem. Walker was not wearing a boot or brace when reporters saw him, Reid noted, but the Chiefs held him out of practice as they worked to reduce the swelling.
Key Takeaways
- Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker III will not play in the preseason finale against the Seahawks on Aug. 28.
- Andy Reid said ankle swelling came from a shoe or cleat issue and is not expected to sideline Walker long-term.
- Walker missed the Chiefs' last two practices but was not in a boot or brace, per Reid.
- Kansas City signed Walker to a three-year, $43.05 million contract after his Super Bowl MVP season with Seattle.
- The Chiefs visit Seattle on Sunday Night Football in Week 7 of the regular season.
Why is Kenneth Walker III not playing against the Seahawks?
Walker is one of several Chiefs starters held out of Friday's preseason finale at home against Seattle. Reid said Walker III is dealing with a swollen ankle and will not suit up for the game.
The running back missed the team's last two practices before the matchup. While Reid has not ruled out limited action for some other starters such as Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, Walker was off the table for this final exhibition game.
Patrick Mahomes and left tackle Josh Simmons were also among the notable names resting, so Walker's absence aligns with a broader preseason taper rather than a full-scale roster crisis.
How serious is Walker III's ankle injury?
Reid downplayed the concern when speaking to reporters. According to KMBC, Reid said, "He's OK. He's going to be fine. We're just trying to get that swelling out of there."
Field Gulls reported that Reid described the swelling as merely due to his cleat and that Walker is not expected to be sidelined long-term. Bleacher Report noted Walker was not wearing a boot or brace on his foot when observed Wednesday.
The injury does add Walker to a crowded Chiefs training-camp injury list, but Reid's comments suggest the issue is short-term and footwear-related rather than a torn ligament or season-threatening setback.
What does Kenneth Walker III mean for the Chiefs in 2026?
Walker arrived in Kansas City after the Chiefs missed the playoffs in 2025 and spent four seasons with Seattle, where he was a second-round pick in 2022. Last year he posted 1,027 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and 282 receiving yards, then rushed for 135 yards in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots to win MVP honors.
Behind Walker, the depth chart is thin. Emari Demercado, who had 312 rushing yards for the Arizona Cardinals in 2025, is the primary backup, with rookie Emmett Johnson, a fifth-round pick from Nebraska, behind him.
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When will Kenneth Walker III face the Seahawks again?
Walker will not get a preseason reunion with Seattle on Friday, but the schedule brings the teams together quickly. The Seahawks are set to host Kansas City on Sunday Night Football in Week 7.
If Walker stays healthy, that road game at Lumen Field would mark his return to Seattle as a Chief and his first meaningful NFL action against his former club since leaving for the three-year deal this offseason.
Reid told reporters he would evaluate other starter usage in the days before Friday's game, but Walker's status for the exhibition was already decided.