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Super Bowl LX scare as Seahawks star leaves practice early
When the Seattle Seahawks took to the practice field ahead of Super Bowl LX, the last thing they wanted was to watch an integral part of their team exit early with an injury.
So, when a postseason hero and key member of the famed 'Dark Side' Seahawks defense left the field with an ankle problem, it raised serious concerns.
Here's everything you need to know on that injury, insights into the Seahawks and Patriots practices, and what the players and coaches had to say.
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Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks arrived for their only padded practice of the week at San Jose State University, California, appearing relaxed and in high spirits.
Nick Emmanwori banged up
That early feel-good factor soon disappeared when Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Emmanwori injured his ankle defending a pass.
According to reports, the rookie safety walked off the field under his own power before head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the situation after practice.
“He had an ankle today, we brought him in to look at it, and we'll kind of go from here and figure out what are the next steps.”
The youngster has eight tackles, four passes defended, and a fumble recovery in the playoffs, continuing his breakout season as a key member of Seattle's secondary.
That level of production will be hard to replace should #3's injury prevent him from playing in Super Bowl LX.
Better news for Sam Darnold
"It feels really good," quarterback Darnold said, updating reporters on the status of the oblique injury that has nagged him throughout the postseason.
"Definitely, the time off has helped a little bit. I'm always just going to take it one step at a time, do my rehab and do everything I need to do to make sure it feels great going into practice and going into the game," he added.
After head coach Mike Macdonald admitted Darnold "barely" practised ahead of the NFC Conference Championship Game vs. the Rams, Darnold's involvement in yesterday's session must be taken as a positive.
Other notables
The Seahawks' defensive captain, linebacker Ernest Jones (chest), practised in full, while offensive tackle Charles Cross (foot) was limited.
New England Patriots
The Patriots practised in Palo Alto, California. After the session, head coach Mike Vrabel reflected on what his team must do to get the job done.
"We've got some things to clean up, and then we've got to forge ahead," he told reporters.
"We want to continue to keep the energy and the enthusiasm, but the execution is going to end up really helping us win the game," Vrabel continued.
Drake Maye on schedule
Quarterback Drake Maye was listed as a full participant in practice this week as the team continues preparations for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.
His presence on the field is a positive sign after he was limited earlier in the week due to a shoulder issue sustained in the AFC Championship Game and missed practice Friday because of illness.
"Shoulder feels great. I wasn’t limited on Monday, so I don’t see any way I’d be limited today. I’m feeling good," the quarterback told reporters.
"Sam's right on schedule," head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed to ESPN's Kalyn Kahler.
Defensive duo still in question
Linebacker Robert Spillane, who told reporters on Monday that he's "getting better every day", did not practice while tending to an ankle injury.
Edge rusher Harold Landry, who missed the AFC Championship Game vs. the Broncos, practised in a limited fashion.
The Patriots' defense fared well without both players for long stretches since Week 15, but their presence on the field on Sunday would be a major boost against Darnold, Smith-Njigba and Co.
