Mike Macdonald expects Nick Emmanwori to play for Seattle Seahawks despite low-ankle sprain
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Nick Emmanwori #3 of the Seattle Seahawks prepares to enter the field prior to the NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Jane Gershovich / Getty Images)
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said rookie safety Nick Emmanwori is expected to play in the Super Bowl after injuring his right ankle during practice on Wednesday.
"He rolled his ankle yesterday," Macdonald said. "He's got a low-ankle sprain. Going to do the walkthrough today. Not sure how extensive, if at all, he's going to practice, but he's confident. Got a great plan. Fully expect him to play.
Emmanwori's injury was a surprise addition to the injury report Wednesday evening. A pool report from the Pro Football Writers' Association at practice said Emmanwori was injured late in practice defending a pass. He was able to leave the field under his own power, though it was noted teammates came over to check on him.
"Just a little mishap that happened. Just rolled my ankle, I just didn't finish practice, that was it." Emmanwori said on Thursday.
"I expect to play on Sunday. Feel good. Training staff have a good plan for me. Everything good, making sure I'm just rehabbing good."
It brought back flashbacks to Seattle's last Super Bowl – also against the New England Patriots – 11 years ago. Safety Kam Chancellor sprained the MCL in his knee in the Friday practice before Super Bowl XLIX in Arizona. Chancellor still played in the game despite the injury.
Emmanwori appears poised to do the same for Seattle.
"Right where we want to be," Macdonald said. "He's doing great and moving around. Got to make sure we handle it the right way. Probably going to be over-careful and over-cautious at this point to make sure we're rolling going into the weekend."
Emmanwori did have the injury evaluated with an MRI on Wednesday night to ensure that there wasn't a major injury.
"Yeah, super relieved," Emmanwori said of the positive report. "Doc told me I'd be good. Just super young, healthy, so I'll be good to go."
He added that he believes the injury wouldn't keep him from playing in any week, let alone the Super Bowl.
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The Source: Information in this story came from FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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