Seahawks say Nick Emmanwori expected to play in Super Bowl LX

Tim Booth, The Seattle Times on Feb 5, 2026

Published in Football

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — Mike Macdonald said it first. Nick Emmanwori backed it up a short time later.

The Seahawks firmly believe their rookie defensive back will be available for Super Bowl LX after the scare of an ankle injury in practice.

“He’s confident. Got a great plan. Fully expect him to play,” Macdonald said on Thursday morning inside the San Jose Convention Center in the final media availability for the team before Sunday’s game against New England.

There was a clear scare, though, thrown into the preparations of the week when Emmanwori went down during Wednesday’s practice at San Jose State. Emmanwori said he rolled his ankle — the same one he injured in Week 1 against San Francisco — while Macdonald classified it as a low ankle sprain.

Emmanwori had imaging done on Wednesday night after practice concluded and walked into the convention center a day later without any noticeable issues.

“Yeah, I expect to play on Sunday,” Emmanwori said. “I feel good. Training staff has a good plan for me. Everything good and just making sure I’m rehabbing good.”

The rookie, who is a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year at NFL Honors Thursday night in San Francisco, became one of the key parts in the dominance of the Seahawks defense through the regular season and into the playoffs. His size and his ability to line up in the slot or close to the line of scrimmage has freed up Macdonald to fully maximize what he can do with this defense.

But word of Emmanwori’s injury on Wednesday night immediately brought back memories of the last Seattle appearance in the Super Bowl and a knee injury suffered by another uniquely talented safety during game week when Kam Chancellor went down with a torn MCL and bone bruise in his left knee the Friday before the Super Bowl loss to New England 11 years ago.

Macdonald joked as he walked to the podium on Thursday, “There’s no way the first question is about Nick.”

Emmanwori was expected to participate in the team walkthrough later Thursday but practice participation was uncertain. The Seahawks will have their last practice of the season on Friday.

Emmanwori said he felt whether it was the Super Bowl or just another game he would be fine to play.

“Once I’m out there my adrenaline will be pumping. Last game of the season, I think I’ll be good to go,” Emmanwori said.