Andy Reid Says Kenneth Walker III Missed Practice With a Tight Groin

Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III missed Friday practice due to a tight groin, according to KCTV5.

The injury, described by head coach Andy Reid as a “tweak,” leaves Walker’s availability for Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons uncertain. While he is currently listed as questionable, the news complicates a Kansas City backfield already facing several physical setbacks heading into the weekend.

“He tweaked it,” Reid said Friday afternoon, reporting that Walker arrived at the Chiefs training facility in the morning with tightness in the area. The head coach said that the team is monitoring the situation closely. “We’ll see how he feels through this afternoon and rehab,” Reid said.

If Walker is unable to take the field, the workload will shift significantly to the team’s younger talent. Reid indicated that rookie Emmett Johnson is prepared to step into a primary role if the starter is sidelined.

“He would take the bulk of the carries,” Reid said, if Walker can’t play. Johnson enters the potential starting role following a productive performance last week, where he scored his first rushing touchdown during the Chiefs’ 35-12 victory over the New York Jets.

The uncertainty surrounding Walker comes at a time when the Chiefs’ roster is dealing with multiple localized injuries. In addition to the groin issue, the team is managing several other absences on the active roster.

Reid confirmed that the team’s depth is being tested by injuries to both the offensive and defensive lines. Right tackle Jaylon Moore and defensive tackle Peter Woods both missed the entirety of the week’s practice sessions due to ankle and neck injuries, respectively.

Despite these various concerns, the team’s quarterback situation appears stable for Sunday. Patrick Mahomes dealt with an injury scare involving his throwing elbow last week, but Reid confirmed that Mahomes will play against the Falcons.

The coaching staff’s approach to the groin injury appears to be one of cautious management. “We’re feeling it out to see where we’re at with it,” Reid told KCTV5. “We’re not going to put him at risk. That’s not how we roll. If he can go, he can go. If he can’t, he can’t.”

The Falcons enter Sunday with a 3-6 record, and Walker's availability will heavily influence the game's offensive tempo.