Twenty-four hours after hearing that Kenneth Walker was sitting out of practice, the Kansas City Chiefs fans learned that they can breathe a bit easier after hearing the latest injury updates from Andy Reid on Wednesday. As the Chiefs prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks for the third and final preseason game on Friday night at Arrowhead, Reid had good news in terms of Walker's long-term availability.
Reid spoke with reporters ahead of the Seahawks tilt with a full range of updates on those players who would not be suiting up. When it came to Walker, Reid didn't say for sure whether or not he would be play, but he did provide some details as to why the running back had sat out of practice.
"For the last couple of days, [Kenneth] Walker, his shoe has been causing swelling on his ankle. We're trying to get that down, but he's okay. He's going to be fine," said Reid to open his press remarks.
Walker is the centerpiece of the front office's offensive retooling this offseason after watching an efficient yet stale unit plummet struggle to a 6-11 season overall. Walker signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs worth approximately $45 million after winning the Super Bowl MVP award in Seattle's win over the New England Patriots.
Walker's arrival is the first major investment in the backfield in a decade or more, and was just one of several changes at the position. Emmett Johnson was drafted in the fifth round out of Nebraska and Emari Demercado was signed in free agency as well. However, Walker's explosive skill set was the foundation laid to upgrade the ground game and provide very real relief for Patrick Mahomes as he works his way back from torn knee ligaments.
Whether or not Walker plays on Friday is mostly inconsequential with the regular season three weeks away. The goal should be Week 1 readiness, and it sounds as if that's not going to be a concern for Reid.
As for those players who have already been ruled out against the Seahawks, the Chiefs head coach stated that several ailing veterans who have been nursing injuries for quite some time will continue doing so on Friday. That list includes defensive end Ashton Gillotte (ruptured plantar fascia), right guard Trey Smith (hip), left tackle Josh Simmons (back), safety Chamarri Conner (knee), and linebacker Jack Cochrane (knee). Mahomes will also not play until the regular season begins.
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