Nick Emmanwori’s Ankle Surgery and Week-1 Outlook

Seattle placed second-year safety Nick Emmanwori on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle. Sources close to the team say the procedure was performed earlier this month to address lingering soreness from injuries sustained during his rookie season and the franchise’s Super Bowl victory. The Seahawks expect the recovery timeline to allow Emmanwori to be active for the regular-season opener.

ESPNThe News TribuneSeattle TimesReport: Seahawks' Emmanwori expected to play Week 1 after Heavy

Emmanwori entered the league as a second-round pick in 2025 and quickly became a key component of Seattle’s top-ranked defense. He logged a high ankle sprain in the first game of his rookie year and a low-ankle sprain four days before the Super Bowl, yet played the majority of the championship game and helped Seattle defeat New England. His versatility—covering slot receivers, lining up as an off-ball linebacker, and rushing the edge—has made him a “do-it-all” defender in coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme.

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• Rookie season production: 81 tackles (third most on the team), 11 passes defended, 2.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, one interception.

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• Draft information: Selected with the 35th overall pick in the 2025 draft.

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• Accolades: Finished second in Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and was the only player in 2025 with at least 80 tackles, two sacks, 10 passes defended, and eight tackles for loss.

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Team officials indicated that the ankle issue was “more extensive than merely precautionary,” prompting the PUP designation to preserve roster flexibility while allowing Emmanwori to practice if cleared by a physical. The Seahawks’ approach follows NFL rules that let players on the active/PUP list return at any point during training camp; only a move to reserve/PUP before the regular season would force a minimum four-game absence.

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• “After the Super Bowl ended, right, I recovered. Stayed in Seattle a little bit while everybody left,” — Nick Emmanwori, safety, Seattle Seahawks

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Emmanwori’s expected return preserves Seattle’s ability to field a hybrid safety/linebacker who can disguise blitzes or drop into deep coverage without sacrificing run support. His absence would have opened more snaps for rookie Bud Clark, a second-round pick from Texas Christian University noted for similar multi-role capabilities, and for veteran Ty Okada.

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Training camp opens this weekend at the team’s Renton facility, with the first practice scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The Seahawks will evaluate Emmanwori’s progress during camp and aim to have him cleared for the season opener—a Super Bowl rematch against the New England Patriots. If he passes the required physical, he can be activated from the PUP list before the regular season begins.

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