The Seattle Seahawks took a significant step in their preparation for Super Bowl LX on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, not only with their first padded practice of the week in San Jose but also with the official release of their initial injury report. Filed at 5:41 PM Pacific Time, the document provides the first concrete look at the health of the roster ahead of the championship clash with the New England Patriots. While the team is largely healthy for this stage of the season, the report revealed several key players dealing with issues that warrant monitoring, headlined by starting quarterback Sam Darnold and a new concern for a defensive back.
The most notable name on the list is quarterback Sam Darnold, who was listed as a limited participant in practice due to an oblique injury. Darnold, in his second season with the Seahawks after joining in 2025, has been the steady hand guiding the offense through the playoffs. His oblique, a core muscle group critical for throwing power and torque, is a concern for any passer. The team and Darnold himself have downplayed the severity, emphasizing it as a maintenance issue common at this point in a long season. However, the official designation confirms it is significant enough to require management. Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron stated after practice that Darnold took the majority of the first-team reps and the game plan installation was unaffected. The team will closely monitor his throwing sessions over the next few days. His backup, Drake Maye, was a full participant in practice, a positive sign as he continues to manage a right shoulder issue that had limited him during the NFC Championship run.
Perhaps the most alarming entry came from the defensive side. Safety Nick Emmanwori, a crucial special teams contributor and rotational defensive back, suffered an ankle injury during the February 4 practice. The injury occurred while he was defending a pass in team drills. Eyewitness reports indicate he walked off the field under his own power, which is an initial positive sign, but his immediate listing on the injury report confirms it was not merely a tweak. Emmanwori, in his third year out of South Carolina, has been a core member of the kicking game units and provides valuable depth behind starters Julian Love and Rayshawn Jenkins. His potential absence would place more responsibility on veterans like K'Lavon Chaisson in coverage roles and could impact the team's sub-package defenses. Head Coach Mike Macdonald said the team would evaluate Emmanwori overnight and have a clearer picture of his availability for Thursday's practice.
The report also listed four other players as limited participants. Fullback Robie Ouzts is managing a neck issue. Ouzts, a second-year blocker, has seen his role expand in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His physical presence in lead-blocking for Kenneth Walker III could be a subtle but important factor against a stout Patriots front. Wide receiver Jake Bobo is on the list with a hand injury. Bobo, now in his fourth year, has evolved into a reliable possession receiver and key blocker in the run game. Any impairment to his hands could affect his role in the passing tree, though he participated in individual drills.
On defense, linebacker Ernest Jones IV was limited with a chest issue. Jones, the defensive signal-caller and emotional leader of the unit, is arguably the most important player on the Seahawks' defense. Sources within the organization have indicated there is "no reason to worry" about his status for the game, and the limitation is likely precautionary. His presence and communication are non-negotiable for a defense facing the complex schemes of the Patriots. Offensive tackle Josh Jones rounds out the limited group, dealing with both ankle and knee ailments. Jones, a veteran swing tackle, provides essential depth behind starters Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. His ability to step in at either tackle spot is a critical insurance policy for the offensive line.
In positive news, two players who had been on the injury radar were full participants. Safety Julian Love, who has been battling various bumps and bruises throughout the playoffs, took part in all activities and is considered not a concern. His leadership and playmaking in the secondary are vital. As mentioned, quarterback Drake Maye was also a full go, solidifying the quarterback room behind Darnold.
The release of this report marks the formal beginning of the Super Bowl's game-week procedures. For the Seahawks' medical and coaching staff, it initiates a delicate balancing act. The goal is to maximize recovery and treatment for these players while ensuring they receive enough practice repetitions to be sharp for Sunday. The team's first practice of the week was a padded session, the only one planned for Super Bowl week, which is more physically demanding and can sometimes reveal or aggravate soft-tissue injuries, as may have been the case with Emmanwori.
The impact of these injuries on the team's Super Bowl preparation is multifaceted. For the offense, Darnold's oblique is the headline. While he is expected to start, any limitation on his deep-ball velocity or ability to drive throws into tight windows could alter the play-calling calculus. The Patriots' defense is known for disguising coverages and applying pressure; a quarterback with core discomfort might be less inclined to extend plays or take hits in the pocket. This places a premium on the run game and quick-passing concepts. The potential limitations of Bobo and Ouzts, two key ancillary pieces in the run game, could also subtly affect the offensive balance Coach Macdonald wants to establish.
Defensively, the situation is less about immediate starters but crucial for depth and special teams. Ernest Jones IV's expected availability is the single most important factor. If Emmanwori is unable to go, it creates a ripple effect. Special Teams Coordinator Larry Izzo would need to reshuffle his coverage units, potentially pulling a starter into a more prominent role, which increases injury risk. Defensively, it reduces the package options for Coordinator Aden Durde, who likes to employ three-safety looks in certain passing situations.
Why is this injury report so news-worthy? First, it is the first official medical disclosure for the biggest game of the season. Every detail is scrutinized for clues about player availability and potential strategic advantages. Second, the quarterback's health is always paramount, making Darnold's oblique a top national story. Third, the in-practice injury to Emmanwori is a developing situation that could affect roster decisions later in the week. Finally, the overall health of a team at this stage is a strong indicator of its physical readiness. The fact that the Seahawks have only one starter (Darnold) listed as limited, and that key defenders like Love and Jones (Ernest) are trending positively, suggests a team that is relatively fresh and well-prepared after a first-round playoff bye and two dominant victories.
As the week progresses, all eyes will be on the practice participation reports for Thursday and Friday. Will Darnold remain limited, or will he upgrade to full? Will Emmanwori return to the field, or will his ankle require further rest? The answers will shape the final narrative before the Seahawks take the field at Levi's Stadium, seeking their second Lombardi Trophy. The management of these minor ailments is now a central part of the Super Bowl storyline, a test of the team's resilience and depth on the grandest stage.