Photo Credit: AP/Lindsey Wasson
The Seattle Seahawks received encouraging news on Tuesday as safety Nick Emmanwori cleared another hurdle in his recovery from offseason ankle surgery.
The second-year defensive back passed his physical, putting him in position to come off the physically unable to perform list and resume his return to the field. Seattle has remained optimistic that Emmanwori can be ready for its Sept. 9 season opener against the New England Patriots.
The Seahawks also announced that fullback Robbie Ouzts has been placed on injured reserve, ending his 2026 season.
Emmanwori Takes Step Toward Return
Emmanwori began training camp on the PUP list after undergoing surgery on his right ankle in July. The injury stemmed from a low ankle sprain he suffered four days before Super Bowl LX.
Despite the setback, Emmanwori played through the injury in Seattle’s 29-13 victory over the Patriots, recording 70 defensive snaps and playing 98.6% of the team’s defensive plays.
The Seahawks had expected the surgery to give Emmanwori enough time to recover before the start of the regular season.
His rehabilitation was featured in the season premiere of HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” where he was shown wearing a walking boot and using a scooter to get around team facilities. He has since moved beyond both, recently walking around practice without a noticeable limp.
Emmanwori Key Piece of Seahawks Defense
Emmanwori was one of Seattle’s most important defensive players during his rookie season after the Seahawks selected him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of South Carolina.
The versatile safety appeared in 14 regular-season games and recorded 11 passes defended, nine tackles for loss and an interception. He also added 2.5 sacks and finished second in voting for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Emmanwori’s ability to contribute in multiple roles made him an important part of coach Mike Macdonald’s defensive scheme during Seattle’s Super Bowl-winning campaign.
He also dealt with an ankle injury earlier in his rookie season, missing three games after suffering a high ankle sprain during the Seahawks’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
Seahawks Lose Ouzts for Season
While Emmanwori’s return is trending in the right direction, Seattle lost another young player for the season.
Ouzts, a fifth-round pick in 2025, was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. The fullback had been dealing with a neck injury since last season’s playoffs and was inactive for both the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl LX.
Ouzts appeared in 12 games as a rookie, and the Seahawks expected him to compete for a role in Seattle’s offense and special teams this season.
With Ouzts sidelined, Brady Russell appears to be the leading candidate to take over the fullback role. Russell has been with Seattle since 2023 and transitioned from tight end to fullback last season.
The Seahawks also have Brock Lampe on the roster after signing the second-year player last week.
Emmanwori Eyes Season Opener
Passing his physical puts Emmanwori closer to returning to practice, but the Seahawks will continue to monitor his recovery before determining when he can return to game action.
Seattle’s season opener against New England carries added significance because it will be a rematch of Super Bowl LX.
If Emmanwori can complete his recovery as planned, the Seahawks could have one of their most versatile defensive pieces back in time for the start of their title defense.
