A video of Nick Emmanwori limping as he makes his way into his hotel after the Seattle Seahawks’ practice ahead of the Super Bowl on Wednesday has created a buzz among fans. Many feel the Seahawks are at risk of not having the rookie safety available for the big game.
ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter provided an update on Emmanwori’s perceived injury on social media on Thursday. Citing the pool report of his colleague, Kalyn Kahler, who was present at the Seahawks’ practice, he detailed how the safety got hurt and the succeeding events.
“Seahawks nickelback Nick Emmanwori hurt an ankle while defending a pass late in practice Wednesday. According to the pool report from ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler, several players and coaches went over to comfort the finalist for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year before he walked off the field on his own power,” Schefter wrote X.
Emmanwori, who was selected in the second round last year, has been an important member of the Seahawks’ defense this season. With his rare combination of size, speed and athleticism, the safety recorded 81 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four QB hits and 2.5 sacks.
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The potential unavailability of Nick Emmanwori for the Seahawks in the Super Bowl has generated a lot of reactions among NFL fans. Many believe his absence will undoubtedly be felt if he misses the encounter.
Here’s a look at some of the reactions online:
@NFL_DovKleiman Check his bank account for a wire from Robert Kraft.
@NFL_DovKleiman He just wants more passes thrown his way. Elite level baiting.
@NFL_DovKleiman Dang, I hate to see that. I hope he is good.
@NFL_DovKleiman In San Fran one week and the power plant already taking affect.
@NFL_DovKleiman Still a few days to go. Hoping for the best
@NFL_DovKleiman Bro limped into the hotel like he just discovered gravity 😭 Emmanwori better tape that ankle to his soul cuz Seattle NEEDS him Sunday. Rookie of the Year finalist can’t sit this one out 🙏
Mike MacDonald expects Nick Emmanwori to be available for the Super Bowl
Despite rolling his ankle in practice, Nick Emmanwori remains on track to suit up for Super Bowl LX. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said Thursday that the rookie safety would participate in the team’s walkthrough later that day and is expected to be available for Sunday’s game.
“He rolled his ankle yesterday, and he’s got a low ankle sprain,” Macdonald said. “He’s going to do the walkthrough today, not sure how extensive, if at all, he’s going to practice. But he’s confident, we’ve got a great plan, fully expect him to play… He’s doing great and moving around. We’ve just got to make sure we handle it the right way.”
The safety expressed confidence in his participation during his media availability.
“It was just towards the end of practice, I just rolled my ankle,” Emmanwori said. “It kind of caught me off guard, the practice wasn’t anything crazy, we weren’t going hard out there, but I just rolled it. I’ll be good to go for Sunday, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Nick Emmanwori has been a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defense, helping the unit lead the entire NFL in nickel-package usage this season. His versatility and instincts have also been key to holding opponents to a league-low 3.7 yards per carry on the ground.