Andy Reid Clears Up Kenneth Walker Injury Concern: 'He's Going to Be Fine'

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs received encouraging news Wednesday regarding an injury that raised questions about their new starting running back.

Head coach Andy Reid said Kenneth Walker III is dealing with swelling around his ankle, but the issue is believed to have been caused by his shoe rather than a significant injury.

Walker missed practice time earlier this week after the Chiefs initially listed the issue as a foot injury.

Reid clarified the situation Wednesday, saying the team is focused on getting the swelling down and expressing confidence that Walker will be fine.

Walker is not expected to play Friday against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, in Kansas City's preseason finale.

That decision appears to be precautionary rather than an indication of a long-term concern.

The Chiefs signed Walker during the offseason with expectations that he will become a major part of Kansas City's rushing attack.

With the regular-season opener still more than two weeks away, there is little reason for Kansas City to risk aggravating the issue during an exhibition game.

Walker's availability in upcoming practices will still be worth monitoring, but Wednesday's update is considerably more encouraging than the initial news that he had suffered a foot injury.

Kansas City opens the regular season against the Denver Broncos on September 14.

Sources: Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, Associated Press and The Kansas City Star reporting.