Seattle Seahawks standout rookie safety Nick Emmanwori has provided a positive update on his fitness, stating he anticipates playing in the upcoming Super Bowl despite suffering an injury scare during a recent practice session. The incident occurred late in Wednesday's practice when Emmanwori was defending a pass, leading to concerns after footage surfaced showing him limping as he exited a vehicle at the team's hotel that evening.
Injury Details and Immediate Response
According to a pool report, Emmanwori sustained the injury while actively participating in defensive drills. He managed to walk off the field independently, with several teammates and coaches approaching to offer support and comfort before his departure. This swift response highlighted the team's camaraderie and concern for the player's well-being.
Emmanwori's Optimistic Outlook
Addressing the media on Thursday, Emmanwori expressed confidence in his recovery, directly stating, 'I expect to play on Sunday. Feel good.' His reassurance comes as a relief to Seahawks fans, who had grown anxious following the viral video of his limp. Emmanwori, drafted 35th overall in 2025 from the University of South Carolina, has quickly become a key component of Seattle's formidable secondary.
Season Performance and Accolades
Throughout the regular season, Emmanwori demonstrated his defensive prowess with impressive statistics, including 56 solo tackles, 81 total tackles, two-and-a-half sacks, and an interception. His contributions extended into the playoffs, where he recovered a fumble during the NFC Divisional round victory over the San Francisco 49ers. These efforts have earned him a nomination for the NFL's prestigious Defensive Player of the Year award.
Other Injury Concerns for the Seahawks
Emmanwori is not the only Seahawks player facing injury concerns ahead of the Super Bowl. Quarterback Sam Darnold is also listed as questionable due to an oblique injury. Despite being a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Darnold reported feeling 'really good,' offering hope for his availability in the crucial game.
Betting Odds and Team Prospects
The Seattle Seahawks enter the Super Bowl as the betting favorite, with markets giving them a 4.5-point advantage over the New England Patriots. This confidence from oddsmakers reflects the team's strong season performance and depth, even amid injury setbacks. As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Emmanwori and Darnold's fitness updates, which could significantly impact the outcome.
Further developments are expected as the Seahawks continue their preparations for the championship clash, with fans eagerly awaiting confirmation on the status of their key players.
