Seahawks Rookie Standout Nick Emmanwori Expected to Play in Super Bowl Despite Ankle Injury
As the Seahawks gear up for their Super Bowl clash with the Patriots, they got a major boost on the defensive side of the ball. Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, who tweaked his ankle near the end of Wednesday’s practice, is expected to play, according to head coach Mike Macdonald. And that’s no small thing for a Seattle defense that’s quietly been one of the league’s toughest all year.
The injury, diagnosed as a low-ankle sprain, had the team holding its breath for a moment. But both Macdonald and Emmanwori himself have made it clear: he’s suiting up. “I’ll be good to go,” the rookie said confidently.
That’s welcome news for a Seahawks secondary that’s preparing to face a Patriots offense that might not be flashy, but is methodical and efficient. Emmanwori has been a difference-maker all season, and his presence on the field could tilt the balance in Seattle’s favor.
Let’s not forget just how impactful Emmanwori has been in Year 1. The second-round pick racked up 81 tackles, defended 11 passes, snagged an interception, and added 2.5 sacks to his stat sheet. That’s not just a solid rookie campaign-that’s a cornerstone performance on a defense that ranked top-10 against the pass and top-3 against the run.
Macdonald, who’s quickly established himself as one of the league’s sharpest defensive minds, isn’t taking any chances with his young star. “Not sure how extensive, if at all, he’s going to practice,” Macdonald said.
“But he’s confident. Got a great plan.
Fully expect him to play. He’s doing great and moving around.”
The team is expected to be cautious with Emmanwori’s workload in the lead-up to the game. He’ll be participating in walkthroughs, but his practice status remains fluid. The focus is squarely on making sure he’s ready to roll by kickoff.
“We’re probably going to be over-careful and overcautious to make sure we’re rolling going into the weekend,” Macdonald added.
And that’s the right call. Emmanwori’s versatility has been a key piece of Seattle’s defensive puzzle.
He’s not just a coverage safety-he brings physicality in run support and has shown a knack for timing his blitzes. That kind of all-around impact is rare for a rookie, and it’s a big reason why the Seahawks are still playing in February.
Statistically, Seattle’s defense has been one of the most balanced in the league. They allowed just 193.9 passing yards per game-good for 10th in the NFL-and were even better against the run, giving up only 91.9 yards per contest, the third-best mark in the league. Emmanwori’s ability to play downhill and clean up in the box has been a major factor in that success.
Against a Patriots offense that doesn’t overwhelm with elite receivers but thrives on execution and mismatches, having a player like Emmanwori on the field gives the Seahawks flexibility. He can drop into coverage, step up against the run, and even be used as a pressure piece in certain looks. His presence raises Seattle’s ceiling-and their floor.
So while the ankle injury is something to monitor, all signs point to Emmanwori being ready when it matters most. And for a Seahawks team built on defensive identity, that’s exactly what they need heading into the biggest game of the season.