Seattle Seahawks Inactives: Kenneth Walker III, Jerome Baker Both Out
As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for their upcoming game, the announcement of two key inactives has left fans and analysts buzzing with concern. Running back Kenneth Walker III and linebacker Jerome Baker have both been ruled out, leaving significant gaps in the Seahawks’ offense and defense ahead of this crucial matchup.
### Kenneth Walker III: A Key Absence in the Run Game
Kenneth Walker III’s absence is a significant blow to the Seahawks’ offensive game plan. The explosive running back, who broke out as a rookie in 2022, has been a vital component of the team’s offense. His combination of speed, vision, and power made him a dynamic threat in both the running and passing game, giving Seattle an edge in their ground attack. In his second season, Walker has been one of the NFL’s rising stars, frequently making big plays and helping balance Seattle’s offense.
Walker’s performances this season have consistently relieved pressure on quarterback Geno Smith, allowing the offense to operate efficiently. With Walker sidelined, the Seahawks will have to rely more on their backup running backs, including Zach Charbonnet and DeeJay Dallas, to shoulder the load. Charbonnet, a second-round pick in 2024, will likely see a significant uptick in carries as he steps into the spotlight. While Charbonnet has shown flashes of potential, stepping into Walker’s shoes is no small task.
Without Walker’s ability to break off long runs or grind out tough yards, Seattle’s offensive coordinator Shane Waldron may have to lean more heavily on the passing game, increasing Geno Smith’s workload. The Seahawks’ wide receiver trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be crucial in compensating for Walker’s absence by creating explosive plays in the ,Jerome Baker’s Absence Hurts Seattle’s Defense
While Kenneth Walker’s absence will hurt Seattle’s offense, the loss of linebacker Jerome Baker could prove equally impactful on the defensive side. Baker, who joined the Seahawks from the Miami Dolphins this offseason, has quickly become a key piece in the team’s linebacker corps. His speed and versatility made him effective in both pass coverage and run support, helping solidify the Seahawks’ defense.
Baker’s injury will leave a significant hole in Seattle’s second level, especially in a defense that has relied on his athleticism to match up against opposing running backs and tight ends in coverage. Known for his ability to read plays quickly and shoot gaps, Baker has been a crucial cog in slowing down opposing run games and containing mobile quarterbacks. His absence could make Seattle more vulnerable in the middle of the field, particularly against teams that like to attack the linebackers with quick passes and misdirection plays.
Without Baker, the Seahawks will have to turn to their depth at linebacker. Veterans Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks will take on even greater responsibility in his absence. While Wagner, a future Hall of Famer, and Brooks are both elite talents, the loss of Baker reduces Seattle’s flexibility on defense, and it will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt adjusts the scheme to mitigate this key loss.
Both Kenneth Walker III and Jerome Baker’s absences will force the Seahawks coaching staff to make key adjustments to their game plan on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Seattle’s run game will be less dynamic without Walker, forcing the team to be more creative in how they distribute carries among Charbonnet, Dallas, and potentially Smith in short-yardage situations.
In the passing game, Geno Smith will likely be asked to take on a larger role. His chemistry with wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett will need to be on full display, and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba might see an increase in targets as well. Tight ends Noah Fant and Will Dissly could also be more involved, providing quick outlet options in the short and intermediate areas.
Defensively, Jerome Baker’s absence will force Hurtt to rely on Wagner and Brooks more heavily in pass coverage. Hurtt may also need to utilize more nickel or dime packages, relying on extra defensive backs to make up for Baker’s coverage skills. The defensive line, led by Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed, will have added pressure to contain the run and collapse the pocket, ensuring the linebackers aren’t stretched thin.
The Seahawks, like all NFL teams, preach a “next-man-up” mentality, but the absence of two of their most impactful players will test the team’s depth and resilience. Zach Charbonnet, though highly touted, will have to prove that he can carry the running game in Walker’s absence, while DeeJay Dallas may also see an expanded role as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.
On defense, Bobby Wagner’s leadership will be more important than ever as the team looks to fill the void left by Baker. Wagner has been a rock for the Seahawks for years, and his ability to communicate and organize the defense will be critical in ensuring that Seattle’s defense remains solid against both the run and the pass.
With both Kenneth Walker III and Jerome Baker sidelined, the Seahawks face a tough challenge, but they have shown resilience in the past when dealing with injuries. The team will need strong performances from key backups and an all-hands-on-deck approach to overcome the loss of two crucial players. For Seattle, the goal remains the same: to continue competing for a playoff spot and maintain momentum in a highly competitive NFC.
If the Seahawks can adjust their game plan and find ways to overcome the absence of Walker and Baker, it will be a testament to the depth and coaching prowess of this Seattle squad. While their absences are certainly a blow, the Seahawks still have the talent and leadership to come out on top in the coming weeks.
Read more on;https://sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply