Super Bowl 2026: Mike Macdonald has positive news on Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Nick Emmanwori #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during an NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe big news for the Seattle Seahawks as it pertains to Super Bowl 60 against the New England Patriots is the health of rookie defensive back Nick Emmanwori. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was able to provide a positive update at Thursday's press conference in San Jose. In fact, he didn't even wait for the media to ask the first question.
He's got a low ankle sprain," Macdonald said. He's going to do the walkthrough today. Not sure how extensive if at all he's going to practice.
Fully expected that he's going to play."
He's doing great," Macdonald added. Just got to make sure we handle it the right way. Probably going to be over careful and over cautious at this point going into the weekend."
At Wednesday's practice, Emmanwori injured his ankle toward the end of practice but nevertheless left the field under his own power. Overnight, video surfaced of Emmanwori walking/limping back to the team hotel. On Thursday morning, Seahawks safety Coby Bryant said of Emmanwori on Seattle Sports 710, Yeah, yeah he's good."
The second-round pick out of South Carolina has emerged as a vital piece to Seattle's top-ranked defense, effectively allowing the Seahawks to stay in nickel package (five defensive backs) even against heavier offensive personnel. While he's listed as a safety, Emmanwori is largely lined up in the slot and in the box, providing another physical presence close to the line of scrimmage. Emmanwori has missed three games already on the year due to an ankle sprain suffered on opening day against the San Francisco 49ers.
Seattle will practice at 2:15 pm PT, with an injury report and a separate summary from pool reporter Kalyn Kahler coming later in the evening.