Seattle’s ground game overwhelmed Kansas City in a 33-16 preseason win, amassing 268 rushing yards on 48 attempts. Damien Martinez led the charge with 11 carries for 50 yards and a score, followed by George Holani (49 yards on 5 carries), Jacardia Wright (48 yards on 9), and Zach Charbonnet (45 yards on 5 with a TD). Kenneth Walker III sat out due to a troublesome foot, giving Seattle a clearer view of backfield depth and potential RB-by-committee dynamics. The terse postgame update from the day’s questions was a simple, emphatic “Yes” when asked if Walker is still dealing with the issue, a sign that the injury may linger into the regular-season plan. Seattle’s staff wisely protected him in a meaningless tune-up, but the unfolding foot problem remains the focal point for fantasy managers watching the Seahawks’ backfield unfold this summer.

Kenneth Walker III enters 2025 as Seattle's clear lead back, but Zach Charbonnet looms as a high-end handcuff who could slip into a true timeshare if Walker misses time. Seattle’s staff signals a run-heavy identity for 2025, which boosts Walker's floor while tempering his ceiling in weeks where the backfield is split. The writer highlights Walker’s proven tackle-breaking ability and notes Charbonnet’s on-paper burst when Walker was sidelined, underscoring the high-end upside if the committee stays approximately 1A/1B rather than a straight lead-back dynamic.

Projected for 2025, Walker is forecast to log 17 games with about 254 carries, 983 yards and 9 rushing touchdowns, plus 53 receptions for 347 yards and 3 receiving scores, yielding around 257 fantasy points in standard PPR. Charbonnet’s six-game, 19.2 PPR-per-game pace in Walker’s missed games would have pushed him into top-5 RB territory over a full season, so Charbonnet remains a real threat to Walker’s upside. The piece emphasizes Seattle’s RB-friendly play-caller Klint Kubiak as a potential catalyst for a robust backfield role, while noting Walker’s injury history keeps Charbonnet on fantasy managers’ radar as a compelling late-draft target and possible season-long handcuff.

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a competitive situation in their backfield, as Ken Walker III's position could be threatened by rookie Zach Charbonnet. After showing promise during the pre-season, Charbonnet accumulated 108 rushing attempts, which has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about his role in the offense. This development presents a unique challenge for Walker, who was expected to be the lead back this season.

With Charbonnet's performance, it will be crucial for Walker to maintain his production and secure his place in the lineup. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation closely, as it could impact their lineups significantly. If Charbonnet continues to impress, he could start to see more snaps at Walker’s expense, potentially diminishing Walker's fantasy value throughout the season.

The Detroit Lions faced a rocky start to their 2025 NFL preseason, struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances from several key players. Quarterback Jared Goff's leadership is under scrutiny as he navigates a shaky offensive line, while the absence of star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown due to injury has left a significant void in the passing game. The team is working to integrate rookie talent alongside established veterans, creating an atmosphere of urgency to solidify their identity early in the preseason. Despite these challenges, the Lions are hopeful that their depth will be tested positively, allowing them to develop under pressure.