Kenneth Walker III Misses Practice With Sore Groin Before Falcons Game

The Kansas City Chiefs are changing their offensive rhythm as the team prepares for Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Running back Kenneth Walker III, who has been the engine of the Chiefs’ ground game throughout his debut season, missed practice on Friday due to a sore groin. His status for the 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium remains uncertain.

The Kansas City offense faces high stakes. Walker has racked up 872 rushing yards this season, sitting just eight yards behind the current league leader.

More importantly, his average of 109 yards per game ranks first in the NFL, making him the focal point of a unit that relies heavily on his ability to find gaps in opposing defensive lines. Beyond his rushing totals, he has served as a reliable outlet for the passing game, hauling in 22 receptions for 172 yards and four touchdowns.

Kenneth Walker Injury Update: Emmett Johnson Becomes a Must-Start if Walker Sits in Week 10 — Pro Football Network

“Everybody has confidence in him,” Reid added, referring to the backup options waiting in the wings.

Should Walker be ruled out, the responsibility will likely fall to rookie Emmett Johnson. A fifth-round selection out of Nebraska, Johnson has seen limited but effective action this year.

Across 26 carries, he has notched 111 yards and a touchdown, while simultaneously proving his versatility as a receiver with 14 catches for 237 yards and another score. His ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air makes him a logical, if less experienced, option.

Nate Taylor with the Latest on Kenneth Walker Health — 96.5 The Fan

The transition arrives at a time when the Chiefs are already adjusting their personnel. Wide receiver Josh Downs, acquired from the Indianapolis Colts just before Tuesday’s trade deadline, is expected to participate on Sunday.

Reid said that the receiver has shown a remarkable ability to process new information in a compressed timeframe. “I thought he did a nice job for what we asked him to do, to digest everything in a couple days,” Reid said of the newcomer.

The injury report extends beyond the backfield, creating a complex puzzle for the coaching staff to solve before Sunday. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who exited the team’s previous outing with a hamstring issue, is expected to be available for the Falcons game. However, the team remains without wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, who continues to recover on injured reserve following a dislocated ankle.

The contrast in availability between the Chiefs and the Falcons adds another layer to the matchup. According to data from the Associated Press, Walker has played in one fewer game than the Atlanta running back, a statistical quirk that highlights how quickly a single injury can alter the trajectory of a season. “We’ll see.”

For the Chiefs, the goal remains the same: maintaining the offensive momentum that has kept them competitive in a demanding league. Whether that involves a heavy dose of Johnson or a reliance on the newly integrated Downs, the team’s ability to adapt to these personnel gaps will be the primary factor in their performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.