Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori sparked injury concerns on Wednesday after he left practice early with a possible ankle issue during the team’s first official Super Bowl week session in San Jose, California.
The 21-year-old defender reportedly picked up the knock late in training while defending a pass, raising fresh worries for Seattle just days before Super Bowl 2026.
The injury matters because Emmanwori has been one of the Seahawks’ most reliable defensive players this season and could play a key role in stopping big plays in the final.
What happened to Nick Emmanwori during practice?
Nick Emmanwori suffered an apparent ankle injury late in Wednesday’s practice session and left the field shortly before 4pm local time.
Observers noted that Emmanwori walked off under his own power, but several Seahawks players and coaches reportedly approached him to check on him and offer support as he made his way off the pitch.
While the team has not confirmed the seriousness of the injury, the moment looked worrying enough to immediately attract attention.
Why does Nick Emmanwori’s injury matter ahead of Super Bowl 2026?
The Seahawks are preparing for the biggest game of the season, and losing a starting defensive player this close to kick-off could force major tactical changes.
Emmanwori has been a key part of Seattle’s defensive structure, especially in coverage and stopping short-yardage plays.
This Nick Emmanwori injury could be a bigger deal than people think.
He is not just a safety. He can basically line up in anywhere on the field and if he cannot recover, Mike Macdonald is not just replacing a player, he is changing how he calls the defense. pic.twitter.com/ivEJEZtObR
— NFL Trades (@nfl_trades) February 5, 2026
If his ankle issue proves serious, Seattle may need to rely more heavily on backup defensive backs, which could weaken their ability to control the middle of the field.
In a one-off final like the Super Bowl, even one defensive absence can shift the balance.
What did Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald say about the injury?
Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Emmanwori suffered an ankle issue in training and said the team would evaluate the injury before deciding the next steps.
He indicated the Seahawks planned to assess the situation medically, with imaging expected to help determine the severity.
That suggests the team does not yet know whether the injury is a minor sprain or something more serious.
How important has Nick Emmanwori been for Seattle this season?
Nick Emmanwori made an immediate impact after the Seahawks selected him with the 35th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He delivered a standout rookie campaign and built a reputation as a reliable defensive performer across the regular season and postseason.
Nick Emmanwori’s 2025 season performance
| Stat Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 81 |
| Sacks | 2.5 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
He also recorded eight tackles in the postseason, showing he can perform in high-pressure games.
In addition, tracking data shows Emmanwori faced 54 zone coverage targets without allowing a single touchdown, a strong sign of his discipline and positioning.
Could Emmanwori miss the Super Bowl?
At this stage, it remains unclear. The fact that he walked off without assistance may suggest the injury is not severe, but ankle problems can quickly become serious depending on swelling, ligament damage, or stability issues.
If imaging reveals a sprain or strain, Seattle could list him as limited or questionable. If it reveals a more serious issue, the Seahawks may have to prepare for the possibility of playing without him.
What would Seattle do if Nick Emmanwori cannot play?
If Nick Emmanwori cannot take the field, Seattle would likely reshuffle their defensive secondary, potentially moving another safety into a bigger role or increasing snap counts for backup defensive backs.
That could also affect Seattle’s ability to use certain defensive packages, especially nickel coverage setups that rely heavily on quick decision-making and fast recovery speed.
This type of adjustment could give the opposition more room to attack through the air.
