The Seattle Seahawks concluded their 2024 season under head coach Mike Macdonald, falling short of the playoffs, primarily due to a struggling run game that ranked 29th in the NFL. Despite the team's challenges, the running backs showed resilience, with Ken Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, and Kenny McIntosh proving capable of generating yardage despite insufficient blocking.

Walker, Charbonnet, and McIntosh collectively forced 103 missed tackles and averaged over three yards per carry after contact. Charbonnet emerged as a standout, scoring eight touchdowns, while McIntosh demonstrated versatility in both rushing and receiving roles.

However, injuries plagued Walker, who missed significant time and saw his explosive plays decline. Overall, the group's performance was commendable, especially in forced missed tackles, but they struggled with pass protection. Their combined efforts earned the unit a grade of B-, signaling room for improvement as they look ahead to the 2025 season with hopes of a stronger run game.

In a game that saw the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears combine for the lowest score of the NFL season, the Seahawks emerged victorious with a narrow 6-3 win at Soldier Field on Thursday night. The match was characterized by a dominant defensive performance by Seattle, which sacked Bears quarterback Caleb Williams seven times, matching their season high. The Bears struggled offensively, managing only 179 total yards, the lowest allowed by the Seahawks since 2018. Chicago's passing game was particularly ineffective, with just 76 yards, while Seattle's defense consistently pressured Williams throughout the game.

Seattle's offensive performance, however, was far from stellar. The Seahawks' scoring was limited to just a pair of field goals, with their only touchdown opportunity thwarted by a dropped interception in the red zone. Quarterback Geno Smith completed 17 of 23 passes for 160 yards but had a lackluster first half, finishing with 97 yards before halftime. The Seahawks relied heavily on their running game, with Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh combining for 87 yards on 14 carries in the first half. Despite a strong rushing attack, Seattle's offense failed to capitalize on opportunities, leaving the game in the hands of their defense.

The second half continued the trend of defensive dominance, with both teams struggling to move the ball. The Bears finally showed some life late in the game, but a critical interception by Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen sealed their fate, extending Chicago's losing streak to ten games. Seattle's win keeps them in the playoff hunt, as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, where the NFC West title could be on the line. The Seahawks now find themselves needing to secure a victory while hoping for favorable outcomes in other games to clinch a playoff spot.

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a significant challenge as they head into the final stretch of the 2024 NFL season without their leading running back, Kenneth Walker III. The team has placed Walker on injured reserve following an ankle injury he sustained during a crucial Week 16 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, which the Seahawks lost 27-24. This injury marks another setback for Walker, who has already dealt with oblique and calf injuries earlier in the season, causing him to miss four games prior. With his current stats showing 153 carries for 573 yards and seven touchdowns over 11 games, Walker's absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field.

As the Seahawks sit at an 8-7 record and are in a tight race for the NFC West Division title, they will have to rely on backup options to fill the gap left by Walker. Zach Charbonnet is expected to take on a more significant role in the run game, while other depth running backs like Kenny McIntosh and George Holani will also be called upon. The Seahawks have pivotal games ahead, including a matchup against the Chicago Bears in Week 17, followed by a critical clash against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, where every game becomes vital for their playoff aspirations.

The Seattle Seahawks have announced that running back Ken Walker III has been placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his season. This decision comes after Walker suffered an ankle injury during the previous week's game against the Minnesota Vikings, leading to his absence in the upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears. According to NFL regulations, a player on injured reserve must miss a minimum of four games, meaning Walker could only return if the Seahawks reach the NFC Championship Game.

This season has been particularly challenging for Walker, who has struggled with injuries throughout his third year in the league. He has already missed four games earlier in the season due to an oblique strain and a calf issue. As a result, his statistics reflect a downturn, with career-low numbers in rushing attempts, rushing yards, and yards per attempt. Despite these setbacks, he managed to score eight touchdowns over 11 starts.

With Walker sidelined, Zach Charbonnet is set to take on a more significant role, marking his fifth start of the season. Charbonnet has shown promise in his previous starts, accumulating impressive rushing yards and touchdowns, including a standout performance against the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, Kenny McIntosh is expected to contribute as a change-of-pace back, having demonstrated his versatility in recent games.

The Seahawks' roster adjustments also include the signing of undrafted rookie George Holani from the practice squad. While Holani's contributions have primarily been on special teams, he adds depth to the backfield as the team navigates the challenges posed by Walker's injury.

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a significant setback in their playoff aspirations as they have placed running back Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve. This decision comes after Walker sustained an ankle injury during the fourth quarter of a recent game against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite being ruled out for the upcoming Thursday night matchup against the Chicago Bears, Walker's absence will be felt deeply, especially since he has been the team's leading rusher this season.

Walker, who was drafted in the second round in 2022, has had a tumultuous season plagued by injuries. He missed two games earlier in the season due to an oblique injury and faced another setback in December with a calf issue. His placement on IR means he will be sidelined for at least four games, effectively ending his season unless the Seahawks can make a deep playoff run. In his 11 appearances, Walker has managed to accumulate 573 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, leading the team in both categories.

In response to Walker's injury, the Seahawks have signed rookie George Holani from their practice squad, who will now serve as the third running back behind Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh. Charbonnet has been impressive in Walker's absence, recording 453 rushing yards and a team-high eight rushing touchdowns this season. However, the Seahawks' overall rushing performance has been disappointing, ranking 30th in the league for rushing yards per game. With the stakes high, a loss against the Bears, combined with a win by the Los Angeles Rams over the Arizona Cardinals, would eliminate Seattle from playoff contention.