The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to take the field for their Week 10 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons without star running back Kenneth Walker III.
“The engine behind the reigning Super Bowl champions” is being held out of the contest due to a groin injury, according to reports.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the team wants to give the standout player an additional week to recover.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that the Sunday kickoff represents “too quick of a turnaround” for the team’s primary workhorse.
Walker, who has accumulated 872 rushing yards this season, was not listed on the injury report on Wednesday or Thursday.
Head coach Andy Reid noted that the issue surfaced following Thursday’s practice session.
“Kenneth Walker came in this morning; he had a tight groin, so we just sat him out of practice today,” Reid stated during a Friday media availability.
The coach emphasized that the organization remains cautious regarding player health.
“We’re not going to put him at risk or anything like that. That’s not how we roll,” Reid added.
With Walker officially listed as questionable, the team is preparing rookie Emmett Johnson to step into the backfield.
Johnson has shown promise in limited action, including a notable performance against the Denver Broncos where he recorded 128 yards on five receptions.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has praised the rookie’s professional approach to his preparation.
“Emmett works. He does not take anything for granted,” Bieniemy said.
The Chiefs enter the game with a 6-2 record, while the Falcons currently hold a 3-6 standing.
In addition to backfield adjustments, the Chiefs are expected to debut wide receiver Josh Downs.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.