Seahawks Rookie Nick Emmanwori Cleared for Super Bowl LX After Injury Scare

The Seattle Seahawks received encouraging news at just the right time. Rookie defensive back Nick Emmanwori, who briefly raised concern after missing practice with an ankle injury earlier in the week, has been cleared to play in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots.

After sitting out Thursday’s session, Emmanwori returned Friday as a full participant and was left off the team’s final injury report. The absence of any game-status designation effectively confirms he will be available for Sunday’s title game.

For a defense that has leaned heavily on his versatility throughout the season, the development removes one of the few lingering uncertainties in Seattle’s preparation. Emmanwori has been a steady presence in multiple roles, and his ability to move across the formation has become a staple of head coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme.

Macdonald summed up the situation with a bit of dry humor after practice, telling reporters, “No designation for Nick. Turns out he’s alive,” signaling both relief and confidence as the team wraps up its final preparations.

1. A Brief Midweek Scare

The concern surfaced during Wednesday’s practice, when Emmanwori rolled his ankle while defending an out route. He walked off the field under his own power but did not return, and the team held him out of Thursday’s workout as a precaution. At that point, Seattle remained optimistic, with both the player and coaches suggesting the injury wasn’t serious. Still, any missed practice during Super Bowl week tends to draw extra attention. Friday’s session provided clarity. Emmanwori participated fully as the Seahawks went through their typical end-of-week routine focused on alignment, communication and technique — the fundamentals Macdonald emphasizes before every game. By the time practice concluded, the coaching staff had seen enough to remove any restrictions, effectively ending the brief uncertainty.

2. A Rookie Who’s Become Essential

Emmanwori’s availability matters because of how quickly he has carved out a role. Selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the rookie has played well beyond typical first-year expectations. In 14 regular-season games, he compiled 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception, 11 pass breakups and nine tackles for loss — production that reflects both activity and trust from the coaching staff. He has continued that form into the postseason. Over two playoff games, Emmanwori has six tackles and four passes defensed, including three breakups in the NFC Championship Game. He also recovered a fumble, another example of his knack for being around the ball. Beyond the numbers, it’s his versatility that stands out. Officially listed as a safety, he has lined up in the slot, dropped into the box like a linebacker and contributed as a blitzer, giving Seattle flexibility in coverage and pressure packages.

3. Healthy Rosters on Both Sides

Emmanwori’s return highlights what has been a relatively clean injury report for Seattle. Of the 53 players on the roster, 51 practiced fully Friday, a strong sign for a team heading into its biggest game. Fullback Robbie Ouzts is the only Seahawk listed with a game designation, marked questionable with a neck issue after limited work all week. Backup tackle Josh Jones was limited but not designated, while left tackle Charles Cross and quarterback Sam Darnold both practiced fully. Darnold, who has been managing an oblique injury since January, appears ready with no restrictions. That stability gives Seattle continuity on both sides of the ball. New England enters the game in similar shape. Quarterback Drake Maye practiced fully after a shoulder concern, while linebacker Robert Spillane, edge rusher Harold Landry and defensive lineman Joshua Farmer are listed as questionable but expected to play. Landry, the Patriots’ sack leader, and Spillane, their defensive signal-caller, remain key pieces.