Seattle Seahawks DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. While any sort of injury is concerning, especially with the fantasy playoffs in full swing, it should be noted that Wednesday absences are sometimes precautionary. The Seahawks could be giving Metcalf a little extra time to recover from last Sunday's contest before getting him prepped for Week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings. If he upgrades to a limited or full participant on Thursday, he has a good chance to play against Minnesota this weekend. In such a scenario, he'd rank as a mid-to-high WR3/FLEX in fantasy football.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has already missed two games in a row, and it now looks like there's a real chance he could miss a third. Losing Walker to an injury hurts by itself, but the Seahawks' backfield could get even more complicated if they are also without Zach Charbonnet (oblique), who didn't practice Wednesday. If Walker sits out Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, Charbonnet will remain the starter and a high-end fantasy RB2. However, if both Walker and Charbonnet end up sidelined, then Kenny McIntosh would be in line for a drastically expanded role out of the backfield. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for additional injury updates on Thursday.

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (oblique) is on the Week 16 injury report and was listed as a non-participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Kenneth Walker III (calf) missed yet another practice after sitting out the last two games. With both of Seattle's top RBs dealing with injuries, Kenny McIntosh could be in for an elevated role in Week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The Seahawks are optimistic that Walker will practice this week, but that remains to be seen. Charbonnet has been a plug-and-play RB for fantasy managers with Walker out the last two weeks, as he's racked up 188 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries while adding eight catches for 71 yards. His Week 16 fantasy value is entirely dependent on his health and the health of Walker. If both RBs are active, Charb will be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex, at best.

According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, the Seattle Seahawks remain optimistic regarding the status of their top running back, Kenneth Walker III (calf). Walker has sat out the past two games due to a calf injury but could be nearing a return. Head coach Mike Macdonald noted that the team remains "optimistic" when asked if Walker would return to practice this week. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status throughout the week as he may need to participate in numerous practice sessions to have a chance to return on Sunday. While sidelined, Zach Charbonnet has taken full control of the backfield, tallying 188 rushing yards and three scores over the past two games. If Walker can return on Sunday, he should viewed as a solid RB2 despite facing a tough Minnesota defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that quarterback Geno Smith (knee) went through Wednesday's walkthrough and will participate in practice. It's unclear exactly how much Smith will actually practice, but even a limited session in the first practice of the week will put him in place to potentially play in Week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The veteran signal-caller tweaked his knee in the second half of Sunday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers and never returned. Tests on Smith's injured right knee came back positive for any structural damage, so barring a setback at practice this week, he appears to be on the right side of questionable to suit up this weekend. If for some reason Smith is ruled out, backup Sam Howell would make his first start of the year after looking overmatched in relief in Week 15.