In January 1983, Walker signed a four-year contract extension with the Rough Riders. He recorded 111 rushing yards on 15 carries and scored two touchdowns in the first game of the season, a 26–25 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Trailing 9–13 in week three against the Calgary Stampeders, Ottawa coach George Brancato called up Walker for a trick play at the Stampeders' 24 yard line. Rather than run the ball, Walker received the hand-off and attempted to pass. However, Calgary realized the trick play and put him under heavy pressure, leading him to throw an interception to defensive back Terry Irvin. The Stampeders scored on their next drive and Ottawa was not able to come back, eventually losing 16–27. He finished the game with 182 rushing yards, nearly 100 more than the total of the two Calgary starters at running back. In a week six loss to the Toronto Argonauts, Walker was "smothered by aggressive Toronto defenders almost every time he was given the ball" and had negative-one yards rushing, although he did score one touchdown. After a five-game losing streak, the Rough Riders recorded their second win of the season the following week, 17–14 against the Edmonton Eskimos, with Walker recording 94 rushing yards and 27 receiving yards.
