The Seattle Seahawks plan to field a run-heavy offense in 2025. That’s one of the major changes new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is implementing this offseason. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet are expected to field an effective tandem in the backfield.
In order for that projection to become reality, Walker and Charbonnet need to stay healthy. There should be fair concerns surrounding Walker, who was mostly a non-participant at OTAs and minicamp due to an ankle injury. A heavy workload could lead to seventh-round rookie running back Damien Martinez playing more than most realize.
Walker was limited to 12 appearances in 2024 due to recurring injuries. It’s only June, but it’s bothersome that last season’s injuries were still lingering at OTAs and minicamp. Given the responsibility Kubiak is about to place on his backfield, the Seahawks may utilize a three-man rotation.
The 6-foot-2, 217 pound Martinez rushed for 1,002 yards while playing in an explosive Miami Hurricanes offense last season. If Walker doesn’t prove capable of staying consistently healthy in 2025, then Kubiak may have no choice but to afford his seventh-round rookie some opportunities. Martinez will serve as insurance for Walker and Charbonnet in 2025, and given the former’s recent history, it wouldn’t be shocking if the rookie is called into duty.