Seahawks Rookie Safety Expects Super Bowl Return After Ankle Injury

Nick Emmanwori rolled his ankle in practice but expects to play in the big game against the Patriots.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:25am

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting a Seahawks defensive player in action, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted navy, green, and grey tones conveying the intensity of the Super Bowl matchup.A Seahawks defensive back's determined effort to make a play is captured in a cubist, geometric style, reflecting the high-stakes tension of the Super Bowl.San Jose Today

Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori expects to play in the Super Bowl despite injuring his ankle during Wednesday's practice in San Jose, California. Emmanwori said the injury caught him off guard but is not as severe as a previous ankle issue from earlier in the season. Head coach Mike Macdonald referred to it as a low ankle sprain and said they will be cautious but expect Emmanwori to be ready for the big game.

Why it matters

Emmanwori has been a key contributor for the Seahawks this season, appearing in 14 games with 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception, and 11 pass breakups. His presence in the secondary will be crucial as Seattle faces off against the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

The details

Emmanwori was defending a pass during a routine practice drill when he rolled his ankle after landing on the grass. He was able to walk off the field on his own. This injury is to the same ankle Emmanwori had previously banked up earlier in the season, but he said this time it is not as severe. Emmanwori did not practice on Thursday, but the team expects him to be ready to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

  • Emmanwori was injured during Wednesday's practice in San Jose, California.
  • The Seahawks are preparing to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on Sunday.

The players

Nick Emmanwori

A rookie safety for the Seattle Seahawks who has been a key contributor this season with 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception, and 11 pass breakups.

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who referred to Emmanwori's injury as a low ankle sprain and said they will be cautious but expect him to play in the Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“It just kind of caught me off guard. Nobody really wants to get hurt or banged up during the Super Bowl week or any week like that. It just kind of caught me off guard.”

— Nick Emmanwori, Seahawks Rookie Safety

“There's no way the first question's about Nick, is it? Just rolled his ankle yesterday and has got a low ankle sprain.”

— Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Head Coach

What’s next

The Seahawks will continue to monitor Emmanwori's ankle injury and take a cautious approach to his practice participation leading up to Super Bowl 60 on Sunday.

The takeaway

Despite the ankle injury, the Seahawks remain confident that rookie safety Nick Emmanwori will be able to play a key role in their secondary against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. His presence will be crucial as Seattle looks to win its second championship in franchise history.