Nick Emmanwori Active, Anthony Bradford Out vs. Cardinals
Nick Emmanwori Active, Anthony Bradford Out vs. Cardinals
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Nick Emmanwori had been working back from ankle surgery in July and was limited in practice throughout the week before being cleared to play against Arizona.
2
Emmanwori’s return added a defender who recorded 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 11 passes defended, including an interception, in 14 games during the 2025 regular season.
3
The Seahawks’ other inactive players were defensive end Mike Morris, edge rusher Connor O’Toole and wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr.
4
The start was Drew Lock’s first for Seattle since Week 15 of the 2023 season, when he replaced Geno Smith and led a late-game comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles.
5
Smith-Njigba’s breakout came after a 2025 season in which he led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards, set a Seahawks record with 119 catches and won AP Offensive Player of the Year and unanimous first-team All-Pro honors during Seattle’s Super Bowl run.
The Seattle Seahawks beat Arizona 31-7 in Week 2, with backup quarterback Drew Lock delivering a dominant performance in his first start since 2023. ESPN reported the Seahawks improved to 2-0 despite losing starting quarterback Sam Darnold to a glute injury, with Lock completing 19 of 26 passes and connecting with receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for three touchdowns.
Safety Nick Emmanwori returned to action after missing Week 1 with an ankle injury, clearing the way for his first game back from surgery. The Olympian highlighted how Lock's performance transcended statistics in the decisive victory, signaling confidence in Seattle's backup plan even as Darnold recovers ahead of schedule.
Drew Lock Steps Up As Sam Darnold Sidelined
Drew Lock made his first start for the Seahawks since Week 15 of the 2023 season, when he led a late-game comeback against Philadelphia. ESPN reported Lock completed 19 of 26 passes in the blowout win over Arizona. His three touchdown passes to Smith-Njigba, including an 82-yard strike that marked Smith-Njigba's longest NFL catch, proved the backup was ready for the moment.
Emmanwori Returns To Bolster Seattle's Defense
Nick Emmanwori took the field for his first game after ankle surgery in July sidelined him for the opener. Seahawks.com noted Emmanwori was limited in practice all week before being cleared to play. During the 2025 regular season, the second-year safety recorded 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 passes defended and one interception across 14 games, providing a crucial boost to Seattle's secondary.
Smith-Njigba Proves Elite Status With Three TDs
Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a breakout performance against Arizona after an outstanding 2025 season. ESPN reported Smith-Njigba led the entire NFL with 1,793 receiving yards and set a Seahawks record with 119 catches. He earned AP Offensive Player of the Year and unanimous first-team All-Pro honors during Seattle's Super Bowl run, and his three-touchdown game in Week 2 continued his stellar trajectory.
Seahawks Prepare For Darnold's Quick Return
Coach Mike Macdonald expects to have Sam Darnold back sooner than anticipated after the starting quarterback's glute injury. ESPN reported the injury occurred during Week 1, but the team's medical staff believes Darnold may return ahead of the typical recovery timeline. The 31-7 win over Arizona bought Seattle time to get its starter healthy while proving the backup situation is solid.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
15
Articles
25
Reach
40
A
AnonymousAuthor
