Seahawks’ RB Kenneth Walker hasn’t earned key piece of Seattle offense, yet originally appeared on The Sporting News

No one questions Kenneth Walker II’s talent.

But the Seattle Seahawks’ running back often finds himself on the sideline due to injury, which has dampened the start to his promising NFL career.

Advertisement

Now, Walker is missing something, writes ESPN’s Ben Solak: trust.

“Seattle figures to be a defense-driven team either way, but that formula works way better if you trust your back to salt away close games and tight leads,” Solak writes. “Walker still needs to earn that trust.”

MORE: Brock Purdy is going to win MVP for the wildest Marquez Valdes-Scantling reason

Solak calls Walker the X-factor for the Seahawks’ season under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

“Without question, Walker has the talent on the ground and through the air to benefit from Kubiak’s offense,” Solak writes. “But Walker hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since his rookie year, as inconsistent vision and nagging injuries have limited his down-to-down success. Explosiveness is the name of Walker’s game, and home runs will be there to hit if he trusts the blocking of the Seahawks’ improved line.”

Advertisement

The Seahawks as a team might be OK even if Walker gets hurt. Their other top running back, Zach Charbonnet, is expected to see a sizable role early in the season, too, and he could be a big producer if he was ever the solo back.

But it’s Walker with the most immense talent in the room. It’s Walker who can help Seattle reach its biggest upside.

MORE: Micah Parsons and Luka Doncic trades are horrifically similar

The Seahawks have a new quarterback, Sam Darnold. They’ll be working for the first time in a while without DK Metcalf, the star wide receiver who was traded to the Steelers. There’s a lot of new look stuff happening in Seattle.

Advertisement

But they know what they have in Walker, if he’s healthy. He just has to be on the field and prove he’s deserving of that trust.

MORE NFL NEWS: