Seahawks’ Emmanwori Suffers Ankle Injury Days Before Super Bowl LX

SAN JOSE (Azat TV) – Seattle Seahawks’ dynamic rookie safety, Nick Emmanwori, sustained an ankle injury during practice on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at San Jose State University, just four days before Super Bowl LX. The injury, which occurred late in practice, has cast significant doubt over the availability of a key defensive player for the upcoming championship game against the New England Patriots, raising concerns for a team vying for the NFL title.

Emmanwori, a finalist for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, walked off the field on his own after the incident. Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the ankle injury, stating, “We brought him in to look at it, and we’ll kind of go from here and figure out, what are the next steps?” The exact severity of the injury and Emmanwori’s status for Sunday’s game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara remain to be determined, with further updates expected following imaging examinations and Macdonald’s scheduled press conference on Thursday morning, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

Key Defensive Player’s Status Uncertain for Super Bowl

The potential absence of Nick Emmanwori presents a considerable challenge for the Seahawks’ top-ranked defense. As a versatile second-round pick out of South Carolina, Emmanwori has been instrumental in Coach Macdonald’s defensive schemes, which rely on disguising coverages and utilizing extra defensive backs. He has seamlessly transitioned between nickel corner and strongside linebacker positions throughout the season, making him an “incredible X-factor” for the team, as noted by fellow safety Julian Love, according to Bleacher Report.

Emmanwori’s impressive rookie season statistics underscore his importance: 81 tackles, 11 passes defended, 2.5 sacks, and an interception in the regular season. His impact extended into the playoffs, where he recorded eight tackles, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in two games, including three pass breakups against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship. This isn’t Emmanwori’s first encounter with an ankle injury; he missed nearly a month earlier in the season after suffering a similar injury in Week 1, a detail highlighted by MyNorthwest.com.

Emmanwori’s Versatility and Impact on Seahawks’ Defense

Emmanwori’s ability to play multiple positions allows Coach Macdonald to implement varied and complex defensive fronts that often stymie opposing offenses. His unique skill set enables the Seahawks to maintain unpredictability and adapt to different offensive formations, a cornerstone of their success in building the league’s top-ranked scoring defense. Without Emmanwori, Seattle would need to rely more heavily on experienced backups like safety Ty Okada, but his specific role and versatility would be difficult to fully replicate, as emphasized by CBS Sports.

The injury occurred during the Seahawks’ first full-pads practice in two weeks, though Emmanwori was reportedly out of pads when he sustained the injury while defending a pass. Several players and coaches were seen comforting him before he left the field, according to the pool report from the Pro Football Writers Association. The team was installing its game plan for the Super Bowl, with Macdonald noting their continued evolution and building of the strategy throughout the week.

Injury Report Details and Team Outlook Ahead of Patriots Matchup

The Super Bowl LX injury report for the Seattle Seahawks also listed other players with limited participation on Wednesday, including left tackle Charles Cross (foot), left tackle Josh Jones (ankle, knee), quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique), and fullback Robbie Ouzts (neck). Quarterback Sam Darnold, who has been managing an oblique injury since January 15, was reported by Coach Macdonald to be “right on schedule” with his recovery plan. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots’ injury report showed linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle) as a non-participant, with Harold Landry (knee) and Thayer Munford (knee) limited, while quarterback Drake Maye (right shoulder) was a full participant, according to Seahawks.com.

The Seahawks are scheduled for another practice at San Jose State on Thursday afternoon, where media will be eager for an official update on Emmanwori’s condition. The team’s ability to adapt its defensive strategy and the performance of his replacement, should Emmanwori be sidelined, will be critical factors in their pursuit of the Super Bowl title against the Patriots.

The timing of Nick Emmanwori’s injury, so close to Super Bowl LX, underscores the precarious nature of high-stakes professional sports and highlights how a single player’s health can significantly alter a team’s strategic approach and championship aspirations.