GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Seahawks got a key piece back in pregame warmups Sunday, and it was the name that stood out most: Nick Emmanwori.
Seattle’s dynamic hybrid safety/linebacker, who has not practiced fully since June and had arthroscopic ankle surgery in July, was active and moving like he intended to play against the Arizona Cardinals. About 85 minutes before kickoff at State Farm Stadium, Emmanwori was out on the indoor grass field running, cutting sharply in cleats and going through the same early work as his teammates. Roughly 40 minutes before kickoff, he was in full pads and taking part in seven-on-seven work against the Seahawks offense.
Emmanwori had been listed as questionable for the game, but his pregame workload suggested he was on track for his season debut.
The Seahawks also had to move forward without Sam Darnold, who missed Sunday’s game because of an 11-day-old glute injury that is improving quickly. Drew Lock made the start at quarterback for Seattle, his first start for the team since December 2023.
There were signs that Darnold could be back next Sunday when the Seahawks travel to Washington.
At another spot on the depth chart, Seattle leaned on Rodney Thomas II again. With Ty Okada sidelined by the same hamstring issue that kept him out before, the Seahawks elevated Thomas from the practice squad for the second straight week on Saturday. Thomas was working with the starting defense in pregame warmups Sunday.
He had already shown what he can do in Week 1. Starting at deep safety alongside Julian Love against New England, Thomas was on the field when Seattle’s defense flipped the game, tipping a pass from Drake Maye that became the first of the Seahawks’ three interceptions in the fourth quarter. That helped fuel Seattle’s comeback from a 10-0 deficit to a 13-10 win.
Sunday’s game also carried a shot at history for Seattle, which was trying to extend its winning streak to 12 straight, including last season’s playoffs.
The Seahawks were missing right guard Anthony Bradford, who had been downgraded from questionable to out Saturday because of knee and hip injuries. Christian Haynes took first-team reps at right guard in pregame warmups, setting him up for what would be his first career start.
Seattle’s other inactive players were linebacker Connor O’Toole, wide receiver Montorie Foster and defensive end Mike Morris.
In Other News...
Sam Darnold Recovery Gives Seahawks Fans Real Reason For Relief
Sam Darnolds glute injury has been one of the early tests of Seattles first month, but the Seahawks have reason to feel better about where things stand now. After hurting himself in Week 1, Darnold has reportedly progressed faster than expected, and the club has already handled the first stretch without him well enough to buy time.
According to NFL Networks Ian Rapoport, Darnold could be back on the practice field in the coming week, with Week 4 looking like the likeliest target for his return to game action. Week 3 remains a possibility, though a less likely one, and Seattle now gets a brief run of games before it has to decide exactly how soon it wants its quarterback back under center. [Read more 🡒]
Brady Russell May Be Giving Seahawks Offense Something It Didn't Have
Brady Russells role with the Seahawks has changed quickly, and not just because he was already known as a useful special teams piece. With Robbie Ouzts on injured reserve, Russell has stepped in as Seattles fullback, and the season opener offered a first look at how the offense might use him there. He played a career-high 17 offensive snaps in Week 1 and even chipped in as a receiver, catching two passes for 20 yards.
For a Seattle offense that has been searching for more flexibility in certain packages, Russells ability to handle multiple jobs could matter sooner rather than later. Mike Macdonald singled out Russells versatility and his showing in the opener, which is a good sign for a player who may now have a larger lane into the game plan. The bigger question is how far that role can grow as the Seahawks keep adjusting without Ouzts. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Defense Faces An Unexpected Cardinals Threat This Week
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McBride has been Brissetts most reliable target so far, including a massive 13-target outing in Week 1, and that volume is exactly why Seattle has to treat this as more than a normal matchup issue. The Seahawks know the path to slowing Arizona runs through taking away the easy throws and disrupting the quarterback-tight end pairing before it can dictate the game. If they cant do that, Brissetts comfort throwing quickly could turn one of the weeks quieter storylines into a real test for the defense. [Read more 🡒]