Crisis — apparently — diverted.

Coach Mike Macdonald said Thursday morning, following do-it-all rookie Nick Emmanwori injuring his ankle in practice the day before, that the Seahawks fully expect their finalist for NFL defensive rookie of the year to play Sunday in Super Bowl 60 against the New England Patriots. “He’s confident. We’ve got a great plan,” Macdonald said before practice at the San Jose Convention Center.

“Fully respect him to play.”

Macdonald said Emmanwori got a low-ankle sprain leaping to defend a pass late in Wednesday’s practice at San Jose State University. The low-ankle sprain is an important distinction: Emmanwori missed a month early this season with a high-ankle sprain, a more substantial injury of the ligaments up the leg.

Macdonald said the Seahawks likely will take a very conservative tack with Emmanwori’s ankle between now and game time at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

But after a scare it appears Seattle will have its most dynamic defender, the man who plays safety, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, coverages, blitzes, soundly tackles and more for the Super Bowl.

Coach Mike Macdonald: #Seahawks fully expect Nick Emmanwori to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday.@thenewstribunepic.twitter.com/tJaUz9Q1sJ

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) February 5, 2026