Chiefs vs Falcons: Kenneth Walker III Ruled Out With Groin Injury

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III will sit out the team's Week 10 game against the Atlanta Falcons after tweaking his groin during the week, according to ESPN and the team's final injury designations. Walker was listed as questionable before the Chiefs ruled him out on Saturday. The news is a significant blow for a Kansas City offence that has leaned on him this season.

Injury timeline and team update

Walker missed Friday's practice after the injury surfaced during the week. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said the team was monitoring him closely and did not want to risk a further setback. "We're feeling it out just to see," Reid said. "We're not going to put him at risk. If he can go, he'll go. If he can't, he can't."

The Chiefs also ruled out offensive lineman Jaylon Moore (ankle), defensive lineman Peter Woods (neck) and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (knee). Norman-Lott is in his 21-day return-to-practice window, according to NBC Sports. Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane (shoulder) and running back Jaydn Ott (hamstring) were listed as questionable.

Walker's season so far

Walker has been one of the league's most productive runners in 2026. He has 872 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns in eight games, and he leads the NFL with 109.0 rushing yards per game, according to NBC Sports. CBS Sports ranked his rushing total second-most in the league this season. He has also caught 26 passes for 172 yards and four touchdowns.

Losing him for a game puts more weight on the Chiefs' other running backs and on a passing attack that will need to keep the offence balanced.

Falcons injury picture

Atlanta ruled out wide receiver Zachariah Branch (hamstring) on Friday. Linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm) was listed as doubtful after not practising on Thursday or Friday. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (illness) and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. (back) were both listed as questionable, and linebacker Josh Woods (ankle) was trending in the right direction after a full practice on Friday.

Cornerback Mansoor Delane, who is on the Chiefs' list, is one of several players whose status could change before kickoff.

What we know so far

Walker is out for Sunday's game against the Falcons, based on the Chiefs' final report. The team has not said how long he is expected to be sidelined beyond this matchup, and the severity of the groin issue has not been detailed publicly. Further updates are likely as the Chiefs manage his recovery and the rest of their roster health becomes clearer.

Chiefs fans and fantasy managers will be watching for any statement from the team on his return timeline in the coming weeks.