New England Patriots
“He had an ankle today, we brought him in to look at it, and we’ll kind of go from here and figure out what are the next steps.”
Nick Emmanwori is a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
February 5, 2026 | 6:40 AM
1 minute to read
SAN FRANCISCO — The Patriots got good news on the injury front regarding Drake Maye’s shoulder on Wednesday.
But the same can’t be said for the Seahawks, who lost one of their top players on defense during Wednesday’s practice.
According to PFWA pool reporter Kalyn Kahler — who was allowed to watch Seattle’s practice at San Jose State — Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori injured his ankle while trying to break up a pass late in the session.
Even though he walked off the field under his own power, NFL insider Ian Rapoport added that the gifted defensive back will undergo additional imaging on the ankle.
“He had an ankle today, we brought him in to look at it, and we’ll kind of go from here and figure out what are the next steps,” Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald said in the pool report.
The No. 35 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Emmanwori has emerged as an immediate contributor on one of the toughest defenses in the NFL — recording 81 tackles, 11 passes defensed, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception, while earning a finalist nod for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Nick Emmanwori, the Seahawks’ rookie nickelback, had three PBUs last night to go along with five tackles.
“He played great football and really affected the game,” Mike Macdonald said. “If we don’t have those pass breakups, I think there’s a different outcome …” pic.twitter.com/ft83FjkRw9
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) January 27, 2026
He’s been a regular threat in the playoffs, registering four pass breakups and also scooping up a fumble.
During Seattle’s NFC Championship Game victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Emmanwori allowed two receptions for 8 yards on five targets, per NextGen Stats.
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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