The Seattle Seahawks opened training camp without Nick Emmanwori after placing him on the physically unable to perform list while he recovers from ankle surgery.
Last season, the Seahawks safety played 765 snaps on defense, leading to a 71.0 overall PFF defensive grade. Moreover, he recorded one interception, broke up eight passes in coverage, and allowed a 97.5 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks.
Emmanwori also surrendered 56 receptions in coverage and contributed 63 solo tackles in run support and open-field situations. As a result, Seattle will feel his absence if he misses the start of the 2026 NFL season.
While speaking to Ian Rapoport and Mina Kimes on NFL Network, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald gave an update on Emmanwori.
“We’re not sure on Week 1 yet,” Macdonald said on Aug. 7. “I think what’s great about the way Nick’s taken on this process is we’re not putting timelines on anything. It’s just, let’s put our foot on the gas and let’s go rock and roll every day and see where it takes us.
“So, I think we’re optimistic, but I just let’s go about it with the right mindset and just be as aggressive as we possibly can and then kind of let the results fall into place.”
Seahawks Ready to Play Without Nick Emmanwori
Furthermore, Macdonald appears content to rely on the depth they have should the Seahawks start their Super Bowl defense without their young safety.
“In terms of depth behind him, D’Anthony Bell has done a great job in some of those packages,” Macdonald added. “You could argue Devon Witherspoon is still the top nickel in the game right now.
“You could for sure argue that we have some options there and I think there’s other ways to play sub defense or different guys on the field that maybe we don’t want to share with you right now that we could be able to get to if we need to.
“It’s also a way to get guys that have earned opportunities to get on the field. We’re not closing the door for that, so to speak. We’re trying to leave those options open at this point.”
Seattle Need to Make Major Decision on Its Defense
Speaking of the Seahawks’ defense, Seattle will have to make a major decision regarding a key piece of the group: Leonard Williams. The veteran defensive lineman is in the final year of his contract, and the Seahawks will need to decide whether to extend him.
Recently, ESPN’s Brady Henderson provided an update on the Williams contract extension.
“[A contract extension] is something they have discussed,” Henderson said during his July 29 appearance on Seattle Sports. “I don’t think you have those discussions unless they want to do a deal. So, I do think something gets done.
“I have no idea on the timing of that, but just hearing him talk about it and knowing the situation, I think you can logically look at it and say, ‘Okay, he’s in the last year of his deal. He’s an older player, but he’s still playing at an exceptionally high level. He’s a guy who, I think it’s been pretty clear over the years, takes really good care of his body.'”
Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald Gives Blunt Nick Emmanwori Injury Update