Seahawks Hope to Have Nick Emmanwori Back Against Cardinals, But Nothing Is Certain Yet

Nick Emmanwori is trying to work his way back onto the field, and the Seahawks won't know for certain until closer to kickoff whether he'll make it. The safety left the team's previous game with his helmet off, a detail radio hosts flagged Wednesday as a clear sign something was wrong, and he now carries a questionable tag into Sunday's game against Arizona.

Torrey Horton came off the field the same way in that game, helmet removed, and he's dealing with his own situation heading into the weekend. Both players returned to practice on September 16, and both are hoped to be available against the Cardinals.

Emmanwori has been running through practice recently, but only in a limited capacity. He has not appeared in a game or taken a full practice since the Super Bowl, which is the kind of gap that makes any return worth watching closely rather than assuming. Analyst Brady Henderson said last week he wouldn't be surprised if Emmanwori played, but he was careful to note that was his own read on the situation and not something passed along by the team.

Head coach Mike Macdonald is set to deliver a final injury report Friday, and that update should settle whether Emmanwori and Horton are actually cleared to suit up. Given how the team's medical staff has handled injuries in the past, erring toward extra caution before a full return, Sunday's outcome for both players is not a lock even with a questionable designation.

Darnold Out, Lock Starts, Milroe Gets Reps

The quarterback picture is more settled. Sam Darnold was officially ruled out for the Arizona game, handing the start to Drew Lock. Macdonald said Darnold will not go on injured reserve and is "killing it" on his rehab, even though he's not ready to play this week.

Backup Jalen Milroe is being given first-team practice reps this week, an unusual step for a backup but one that makes sense given how thin his in-game experience is at this point. The plan is about readiness in case Lock can't finish the game or needs relief, and the coaching staff clearly wants Milroe better prepared than he would be running only scout-team snaps.

One name that showed up on the practice report without much cause for concern is Ernest Jones, who was dealing with illness rather than an injury and is expected to be fine.

With Darnold's absence now fully explained and the quarterback plan locked in, the real question for Seattle this week is Emmanwori. Getting him back would be a lift for a defense that has already shown it can play well without him, and Friday's report from Macdonald will tell the Seahawks, and everyone else, whether that happens against Arizona.

More Info

• Brock and Salk (Seattle Sports 710): Hosts say Seahawks hope Nick Emmanwori can play Sunday after leaving prior game with helmet off | Brock and Salk (Seattle Sports 710)
• Podcast: The Ian Furness Show: Greg Bell reports Mike McDonald confirms Darnold out, Lock starting, Milroe to get first-team reps, and injury updates on Emmanwili and Horton | The Ian Furness Show (93.3 KJR)