Nick Emmanwori is officially questionable for Wednesday’s opener, but all signs point to the Seahawks holding him out as they begin their title defense against the New England Patriots.
That would be a notable absence. Emmanwori was a major piece of Seattle’s run to the second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history last season, finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting despite playing only 14 games. The safety was one of the team’s most reliable young defenders, and his impact showed up all over the field.
Still, the Seahawks have plenty of reason to be cautious. Emmanwori has not practiced with the team since mid-June, and he had ankle surgery in mid-July. Even though his status leaves the door open for a possible appearance, the context makes it hard to see him being thrown right into a game without any ramp-up.
Seattle is clearly thinking bigger than one night. This is a non-conference opener, and the team is looking at the next six months and another push for a repeat, not just the first game on the calendar. For a player as important as Emmanwori, it makes little sense to rush him before he’s ready.
Emmanwori played a big role in Seattle’s success last year, including the Seahawks’ shutdown of the Patriots in Super Bowl 60. If he sits, that absence could be felt right away.
There isn’t an official backup listed for him on the Seahawks’ depth chart, but Julian Neal could see more snaps if Emmanwori is unavailable.
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For Seattle, the bigger picture is not just the logo on the other sideline but the shifting cast around it. New Englands offensive line and receiving corps have both been upgraded, which gives the Patriots a better chance to stress a Seahawks defense that will have to answer some different problems this time around. However it plays out, it is the kind of opener that can tell a lot about where Seattle stands right away, and it sets up a meeting that feels less like a replay than a test of how far both teams have come. [Read more 🡒]