Teammates sounding as if Nick Emmanwori won’t play. Seahawks’ options for opener
The hyrbid safety/linebacker key to coach Mike Macdonald’s multiple defenses is still limited following arthroscopic ankle surgery in July.
Nick Emmanwori, the Seahawks' hybrid safety/linebacker, might not play in the team's first game of the 2026 season against the New England Patriots. The middle linebacker and signal-caller has been limited in practice, having undergone arthroscopic ankle surgery in mid-July. Coach Mike Macdonald's defense has yet to practice fully without Emmanwori, who enabled the Seahawks to allow the fewest points in the league and dominate the Patriots in Super Bowl 60.
Coach Macdonald is exploring alternatives, including using an extra defensive back and moving players like Devon Witherspoon to inside nickel coverage. If Emmanwori cannot play, the Seahawks will need to rely on other defensive schemes and players to counter the Patriots' offense.
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