As the Seattle Seahawks practiced just days before Super Bowl LX, some players were listed as "limited," but most were expected to. Quarterback Sam Darnold is still dealing with the effects of a strained oblique, for instance. But it was a new injury to defensive back Nick Emmanwori that is more worrisome.
According to pool reporters from the Pro Football Writers of America, Emmanwori went down with an ankle injury late in Wednesday's practice. He did walk off the field under his own power, but an indication of his true health might have happened next. Several of his teammates came over to the rookie in an apparent attempt to console him.
Of course, players are not doctors and wouldn't immediately know the severity of Emmanwori's injury, but he was acting, or whatever he was saying, obviously concerned other Seahawks. The hope is that the problem is temporary and he will be able to play against the New England Patriots.
Seattle Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori injures his ankle in practice ahead of Super Bowl LX
Head coach Mike Macdonald said after practice that the defensive back would have imaging done, and based on the results, the team would proceed as needed. Maybe he has to miss practice on Thursday or Friday (or maybe not), but he will still be able to go in the game.
Nick Emmanwori has evolved into the kind of player that Seattle hoped he would be when the team moved up 17 spots in the second round to take him in the 2025 NFL draft. He isn't only a safety or a cornerback, he is an edge rusher, too. His positional flexibility helps Macdonald disguise his defensive alignments, and Emmanwori's speed makes up for most mistakes after the snap.
Not that the Seahawks defense cannot still be effective without Emmanwori, but the unit certainly isn't as good without him. 12s have already borne witness to that. The rookie was injured in Week 1, and he missed the next three games. Soon after his return, the defense efficiency picked up to an elite level.
Also limited in practice besides Emmanwori and Darnold were left tackle Charles Cross (foot), offensive lineman Josh Jones (foot and ankle), and fullback Robbie Ouzts (neck). Everyone except Nick Emmanwori was expected to be limited for the Seattle Seahawks.