Seahawks prepare for season opener as Nick Emmanwori remains limited by injury
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 11:20 PM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026

The Seattle Seahawks are preparing to host the New England Patriots in the NFL season opener this Wednesday at Lumen Field. Defensive standout Nick Emmanwori practiced in a limited capacity on Sunday as he continues to recover from arthroscopic ankle surgery performed in July. Teammates, including middle linebacker Ernest Jones, have indicated that the hybrid safety is unlikely to play in the kickoff game. Head coach Mike Macdonald is currently evaluating personnel options to field a nickel defense, with cornerback Devon Witherspoon identified as a primary candidate to move inside should Emmanwori remain unavailable. Other potential adjustments for the secondary include practice squad additions or recent roster acquisitions as the coaching staff finalizes defensive schemes.
- •Nick Emmanwori remains limited in practice following mid-July arthroscopic ankle surgery.
- •The Seahawks host the New England Patriots at Lumen Field on Wednesday.
- •Coach Mike Macdonald may move Devon Witherspoon to nickel to compensate for the defensive vacancy.
- •Bud Clark is unavailable for the season after breaking his ankle last month.
- 11:20 PMYahoo Sports — 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.
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