The Seahawks walked out of Thursday night with a thrilling overtime win over the Rams-and a playoff spot in hand-but Friday brought a few injury concerns on the defensive side that could shape how Seattle navigates the final stretch of the regular season.
Let’s break down the latest updates from head coach Mike Macdonald and additional reporting around the team’s banged-up secondary.
Coby Bryant: Knee injury could sideline him for a bit
The most significant concern right now is safety Coby Bryant. Macdonald told reporters Friday that Bryant would undergo imaging-specifically an MRI-to assess a knee injury he suffered during the win.
According to reports, early tests suggest Bryant is expected to miss “some time.” That’s a tough blow for a defense that leans on his versatility and physicality in the secondary.
Bryant’s been a steady presence in Seattle’s back end, contributing both in coverage and run support. If he’s forced to miss multiple games, it’ll test the Seahawks’ depth at safety just as they’re gearing up for what they hope is a deep playoff run.
Riq Woolen: Knocked up, but not knocked out
Cornerback Riq Woolen also came out of the game with a knee issue, but the outlook there is far more encouraging. He was described as having gotten “banged up,” and the injury is not considered serious. That’s good news for a Seahawks defense that’s relied on Woolen’s length and ball skills on the outside all season.
Woolen’s availability moving forward will still be something to monitor, but all signs point to this being more of a short-term bruise than a long-term concern.
Nick Emmanwori: Cleared after concussion check
Rookie defensive back Nick Emmanwori was evaluated for a concussion late in the game, but he cleared protocol, according to Macdonald. That’s a relief considering how thin Seattle could be in the secondary if Bryant misses time and Woolen needs to be managed.
Emmanwori has shown flashes of promise in his first season, and his ability to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield could be crucial in the coming weeks.
What’s next
With the win, Seattle improved to 12-3, giving them a one-game edge over the Rams in both the NFC West race and the battle for the top seed in the NFC. They’ve officially punched their ticket to the postseason, but with two games left, there’s still plenty on the line.
Next up is a Week 17 matchup on the road against the 7-7 Carolina Panthers. That game kicks off at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28, with pregame coverage starting bright and early at 7 a.m. on Seattle Sports.
For now, the Seahawks are in control of their own destiny-but keeping their secondary healthy could be a major key to how far they go in January.