The Seattle Seahawks have a very deep defense and can likely survive while missing one or two key players. But the team doesn't want to survive against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX; Seattle wants to dominate.
To do so, head coach Mike Macdonald's team probably needs rookie defensive back Nick Emmanwori available. Emmanwori is versatile enough to play nearly anywhere in pre-snap alignment and deliver a high-level performance. He does well in coverage, can stop the run, and could probably pressure quarterbacks if asked to do so.
But there was some question about whether the rookie would be able to do anything against the Patriots after Emmanwori injured his ankle in Wednesday's practice ahead of the title game. He was consoled by teammates before walking off the field. A video later surfaced on social media showing Emmanwori limping toward the front doors of the team's hotel.
Seattle Seahawks' Mike Macdonald utters the best response about Nick Emmanwori's injury
Nick Emmanwori and Mike Macdonald said as soon as Thursday, though, that the defensive back wouldn't miss the Super Bowl. He might not practice, but there was no danger in his lack of availability. The head coach doubled down on that when speaking to the media on Friday, and he did so in the best way.
Macdonald stated that the defensive back would have no game designation (meaning, he would not be listed as questionable, doubtful, or out), but then uttered the hilarious, "Turns out he's alive."
The sarcasm exposed how the media treats injuries during the run-up to the title game. New England quarterback Drake Maye had a banged-up shoulder, which produced many stories. During any other week, his shoulder might not even have been a concern.
The same is likely true of Emmanwori's low-ankle issue. The rookie said after he was hurt that it didn't matter if the Super Bowl was coming up or any other game, he would be ready to play. Of course, his limping in the video certainly fueled speculation about the severity of his injury, but he might have just been being cautious.
What is clear is that Nick Emmanwori will play for the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. The hope is that he is close to 100 percent. His ability to be all over the field, sometimes all at the same time, will definitely give Drake Maye and his offense issues.