Seahawks’ latest roster moves are a bad sign for one of their key players who was a major catalyst behind the Super Bowl LX win
A lot of people are wondering if Seahawks defender Nick Emmanwori will suit up against the Patriots on Wednesday night and Seattle’s latest move doesn’t bode well for the second-year safety.
The Seattle Seahawks are just a few hours away from kicking off the Super Bowl LX rematch and Mike Macdonald’s defense may be without stud DB Nick Emmanwori against the New England Patriots.
The Seahawks listed Nick Emmanwori as questionable on the final injury report heading into the Patriots matchup. He started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP) and was eventually cleared, but he’s been limited in practice as he recovers from offseason surgery on his right ankle.
The questionable tag, along with the noted progress from said surgery, already put his status in doubt, but the Seahawks’ latest roster move pushes that narrative a bit further.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks signed safety A.J. Finley off the practice squad and elevated another safety, Rodney Thomas III, from the practice squad.
The key with Finley is he’s been signed, which means he is now on the 53-man roster for at least three games. Thomas III is now down one of three elevations before he has to be signed to the practice squad if the Seahawks want to elevate him after the third time.
Both moves also vibe with the fact starting safety Ty Okada has been ruled for the game, as well. It makes you wonder just what the exact status for each player currently looks like, because again, adding Finley for three games isn’t a typical move a team makes at this point in the week.
What does the Seahawks defense look like if Nick Emmanwori doesn’t play against the Patriots?
It’ll be a blow, for sure. Mike Macdonald has said in the past that Emmanwori is like a SAM linebacker that can play nickel. Meaning, he has the strength and power to take on a strong side linebacker’s responsibilities, but also has the athleticism, speed, and movement skills to line up in the slot and take on whomever is across from him.
He’s basically an extra linebacker/safety/or nickel depending on how he’s utilized. He can make a nickel package look like a base package and vice-versa, or a three-safety set in the same mold.
That’s a very unique skillset that very few players have and it’s perfect for Macdonald’s defense, which is all about moving guys around in order to find the best matchups. This will be especially important against a Patriots offense that is not only multiple, but has a solid group of skill players at each position.
We’ll find out who the inactives are an hour-and-a-half before kickoff. Don’t be surprised if Emmanwori is ruled out after these moves.
