Kenneth Walker inactive for Seahawks again--but hope for next week; Tyrice Knight’s chance

Kenneth Walker is out again.

But he may be on his way back.

The Seahawks’ list of inactive players for their game against the Miami Dolphins at Lumen Field Sunday included Walker, their lead running back. He missed his second consecutive game with an oblique injury. Walker hasn’t played since he got hurt late in his 103-yard rushing day Sept. 8 in Seattle’s opening-game victory over Denver.

Zach Charbonnet, the Seahawks’ second-round draft choice from UCLA in 2023, made his fourth career start for Walker again.

Walker was limited in practice Friday. He was in cleats and his helmet for the first time since he got hurt.

Coach Mike Macdonald said Walker could return to play Seattle’s next game, Sept. 30 on a Monday night at Detroit.

“Yeah, I’m very optimistic. The extra day (between the Sunday and next Monday game) helps,” Macdonald said.

“The extra day next week will help.”

The last time Walker had an oblique injury, last November, he missed the next two games.

Jerome Baker inactive

Starting weakside linebacker Jerome Baker did not play against his former Dolphins because of a hamstring injury. He got that 21 plays into Seattle’s overtime win at New England the previous weekend.

Rookie Tyrice Knight, the fourth-round pick from Texas-El Paso, started for Baker.

Macdonald has said for the last month Baker has had issues with his hamstring that Knight has been learning a ton on the job at weakside linebacker next to middle linebacker Tyrel Dodson.

Knight’s long way in one year

One year ago this weekend, Knight was starring in UTEP’s loss to UNLV. He had 15 tackles, two for losses, that night in El Paso.

Sunday was a tad larger than that for the 24-year old.

“Way different, for sure,” Knight said before his first NFL start Sunday.

“I don’t think anybody is looking ahead a year in their life. But nobody expects what it’s going to be — until it happens.

“I’ve just got to live in the moment.”

Knight said he’s noticed a big difference between the preseason games he started for Baker to the regular season in the NFL.

“Honestly, the game speed, you know,” Knight said. “Just way faster than what I’m used to.

“But at the end of the day, it’s something I can get used to do.”

He needed to quickly Sunday. The Dolphins with backup Skylar Thompson starting for Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa were likely to run right at Knight in the middle and edges of Seattle’s defense.

“We told him, ‘You’re not a rookie anymore. You can’t make rookie mistakes,’” Macdonald said of Knight.

“But, poised. He handles that in stride, so he’s doing a great job.”

Macdonald hinted the Seahawks might be using “combinations” of players to replace Baker Sunday. The team elevated weakside linebacker Patrick O’Connell from its practice squad to play in the game.

Macdonald didn’t think Knight would mind others sharing the job.

“He’s a cool customer, man. He doesn’t ever seem like he’s rattled or anything like that,” Macdonald said, “so he’s going to be just fine.”

Uchenna Nwosu next week?

Key linebacker Uchenna Nwosu missed his third consecutive game with a sprained medial collateral ligament. He injured his knee Aug. 24 when Cleveland guard Wyatt Teller cut blocked him in the final preseason game.

Converted end Dre’Mont Jones was ready to start again for Nwosu opposite Boye Mafe at outside linebacker against the Dolphins.

The Seahawks did not put Nwosu on injured reserve to begin the season. That was an indication they believed he’d be back by the fourth game, at Detroit next week. Players on injured reserve must miss a minimum of four games, per NFL rules.

“I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but I know he is optimistic and he’s progressing really quickly,” Macdonald said, “so it’d be great to have him back next week. That would justify not putting him on IR.”

Other inactive Seahawks, Dolphins

Seattle’s other inactive players Sunday were backup center Olu Oluwatimi, rookie guard Sataoa Laumea, rookie tackle Michael Jerrell and backup defensive end Myles Adams.

Miami’s inactives lead running back Raheem Mostert. He’d been doubtful to play because of a chest injury. De’Von Achane was ready to start for Mostert.