Seahawks' Nick Emmanwori Misses Practice Due to Ankle Injury

Rookie safety expected to play in Super Bowl LX despite low ankle sprain

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori missed practice on Thursday due to a low ankle sprain he sustained a day earlier. Head coach Mike Macdonald said he "fully expects" Emmanwori to play in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, and the team will "take it day by day" with his recovery. Quarterback Sam Darnold was a full participant in practice for the first time since injuring his oblique on Jan. 15.

Why it matters

Emmanwori's injury is a concern for the Seahawks' defense, as he has been a key contributor this season. The team will need to carefully manage his recovery to ensure he is ready for the big game. Darnold's return to full practice is a positive sign for the Seahawks' offense as they prepare to face a tough opponent in the Super Bowl.

The details

The Seahawks practiced for 1 hour and 47 minutes on Thursday without pads. In addition to Emmanwori, left tackle Charles Cross (foot) and fullback Robbie Ouzts (neck) were limited in practice. Ten other Seahawks players fully participated, including wide receiver Jake Bobo (hand), linebacker Ernest Jones IV (chest), and defensive end Leonard Williams (not injury-related -- rest).

  • The Seahawks practiced on Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m.
  • Emmanwori sustained his ankle injury a day earlier.

The players

Nick Emmanwori

Rookie safety for the Seattle Seahawks who missed practice due to a low ankle sprain.

Mike Macdonald

Head coach of the Seattle Seahawks who said he "fully expects" Emmanwori to play in the Super Bowl.

Sam Darnold

Quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks who was a full participant in practice for the first time since injuring his oblique on Jan. 15.

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What they’re saying

“He'll be ready to go regardless. Let's do the smartest thing for us and him every day, and make sure we're ready to go, We'll evaluate it tomorrow and see how much he can do.”

— Mike Macdonald, Head Coach

What’s next

The Seahawks will practice again on Friday afternoon as they continue preparations for Super Bowl LX.

The takeaway

The Seahawks are taking a cautious approach with Emmanwori's ankle injury, prioritizing his health and readiness for the big game. Darnold's return to full practice is a positive sign for the team's offense, which will need to be firing on all cylinders to compete in the Super Bowl.