Nick Emmanwori is suiting up for the biggest game of his young career - and that’s great news for a Seahawks secondary that’s leaned heavily on the rookie all season.
After tweaking his ankle in practice on Sunday, there was a flicker of concern in Seattle. You don’t want to see one of your most reliable defenders limping around just days before the Super Bowl. But by Friday, Emmanwori’s name was nowhere to be found on the injury report - a sign that he’s full-go for Sunday’s showdown with the New England Patriots.
That’s a relief, but not exactly a shock. Both Emmanwori and head coach Mike Macdonald maintained all week that the injury wasn’t serious, and the second-year safety backed that up by practicing in full ahead of game day.
Let’s be clear: getting Emmanwori back is a big deal. The former South Carolina standout has been a difference-maker since Day 1 in Seattle. Taken in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he didn’t just crack the rotation - he became a starter and a tone-setter on the back end of this defense.
His rookie campaign earned him a spot on the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team, and it’s easy to see why. In 14 regular-season games - 11 of them starts - Emmanwori racked up 81 total tackles, with 56 of those coming solo. He added 9 tackles for loss and 4 quarterback hits, showing off both his range and physicality near the line of scrimmage.
But he’s not just a downhill enforcer. In coverage, Emmanwori’s been just as impactful, notching 11 passes defended and grabbing his first career interception in a December win over the Falcons. That kind of versatility is rare for a rookie safety, and it’s exactly what makes him so valuable in a matchup like this one.
Against a Patriots offense that thrives on finding mismatches and exploiting space, Seattle needs all hands on deck - especially someone like Emmanwori, who can erase tight ends, close on crossing routes, and fly downhill in run support. His presence gives the Seahawks more flexibility in how they deploy their coverages and disguise looks pre-snap.
So yes, it’s official: Nick Emmanwori is good to go. And for a Seahawks defense that’s been building momentum throughout the playoffs, that’s another piece in place as they gear up for the biggest test of the season.