Seahawks head coach speaks out after multiple defenders go down with injury
Seattle Seahawks are nursing a banged-up secondary heading into Week 2 and will likely be without starting cornerback Devon Witherspoon and first-round safety Nick Emmanwori.
Witherspoon played every snap in Week 1 but didn’t practice this week due to a knee injury. He’s listed as doubtful on Seattle’s injury report and seems very unlikely to take the field. The injury is not thought to be serious, said head coach Mike Macdonald.
Mike Macdonald comments on the injuries
Emmanwori only played four snaps in his NFL debut before going down with a high-ankle sprain. He didn’t participate this week, either, and was ruled out for Sunday’s game. Macdonald added that Emmanwori will avoid injured reserve for right now after mentioning the possibility earlier in the week.
Witherspoon’s absence this weekend will force another Seahawks defender to step up in the slot, a decision that will be further complicated with Emmanwori sidelined. He could have been another option at nickel or lined up at safety with Julian Love in the slot; instead, Seattle will have to flip an outside cornerback into the slot or put inexperienced third-year safety Ty Okada on the field.
Here are some other secondary injury updates from around the NFL
Seattle will also be facing a depleted secondary on Sunday with Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) joining DeShon Elliott (knee) on the sidelines. First-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon will also have to wait another week before his NFL debut as he recovers from a knee injury.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones confirmed that cornerback DaRon Bland would miss two to three weeks with a foot sprain. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer added that an IR placement is not expected at this time.
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was ruled out for a second week in a row, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 2023 first-round pick still hasn’t returned to practice since July 28 due to a hamstring injury.
The Bears will get cornerback Jaylon Johnson back in Week 2 as he finished the week without an injury designation for Sunday’s game against the Lions.A
Kevin Stefanski Addresses Concerns and Clarifies Shedeur Sanders’ Full Practice Status Ahead of Upcoming Browns Games
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has addressed the ongoing questions surrounding rookie Shedeur Sanders’ practice participation, putting to rest any doubts about the young quarterback’s readiness. Stefanski confirmed that Sanders has been fully participating in all team practices and following the coaching staff’s instructions, preparing to contribute when called upon in upcoming games.
“He’s making great progress and showing up for every practice with full effort,” Stefanski said. “We’re very pleased with his attitude and work ethic. Fans don’t need to worry—Shedeur will be ready when the team needs him.”
This statement comes at a time when the spotlight is on Sanders and his potential impact for the Browns this season. Fans are closely watching to see how the rookie could become a key player in high-pressure situations.
Stefanski’s transparency not only reassures supporters but also sends a strong message to the team: every player is evaluated fairly based on practice performance and commitment to the game.
