The Latest on Nick Emmanwori's Injury in Seahawks Training Camp

Nick Emmanwori is going into his second season with the Seattle Seahawks, but he isn't 100 percent going into the season.

Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori against the New England Patriots. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Seattle Seahawks defensive back Nick Emmanwori is recovering from ankle surgery, and he hopes to be on the field with the team for the Week 1 opener against the New England Patriots on Sept. 9.

Emmanwori is making steps in the right direction, but they might not be fast enough to be healthy and ready to go for the team at the start of the season.

Emmanwori did pass his physical to clear him to return to practice, which is a big step in the right direction. However, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler is reporting that Emmanwori is not guaranteed to play in Week 1.

Nick Emmanwori May Miss Seahawks Opener

Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori speaks to the media after minicamp practice. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Emmanwori, 22, missed three games for the Seahawks last season due to injury early in the year, but once he got over his Week 1 ailment, he made it through the rest of the year. The Seahawks were holding off on surgery for a while, but they felt that this was the best path forward to ensure that the second-year pro would stay healthy for the long haul.

With Emmanwori on the sidelines, the Seahawks have a difficult task in replacing him because he often plays multiple positions. Emmanwori is usually in the nickel role, but he can also play safety and even linebacker.

In regards to the safety spot, the team will likely give an increased role to D'Anthony Bell, who has had a strong start in training camp so far. Bell was with the Seahawks last season until he was shockingly cut. In late December, he was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers but signed back with the Seahawks during free agency.

The team could also give second-round pick Bud Clark more reps as he looks to make an impact in his rookie season, similar to how Emmanwori did for Seattle. Third-round cornerback Julian Neal has been dealing with a leg injury of his own, but he also has a chance to fill in for Emmanwori while he is out.

The goal is to get Emmanwori back on the field before Week 1, and the team will do everything in its power to make that happen. If he has to sit for a game or two, there is a decent amount of depth that can ensure the team will be able to move forward without him.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Super Bowl champions from Seattle Seahawks On SI —

Sign Up For the Seahawks Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Seattle Seahawks Newsletter