By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Seahawks injury update, Uchenna Nwosu set to return, Witherspoon will be a game time decision

The Seahawks received a mixed bag on the injury front as they finalize their plans to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon did not practice all week and will be a game-time decision. Nick Emmanwori is out, according to head coach Mike Macdonald.

On the positive end,  Macdonald announced that linebacker  Uchenna Nwosu will feature in Sunday’s game, as will Jake Bobo and Dareke Young.

It has been a long road back for Nwosu, who was a standout performer in 2022, his first year with the Seahawks. The next two years, 2023 and 2024, were not as fruitful due to a thigh and pectoral injury. Nwosu played just  12 games in the two years combined.  After undergoing offseason knee surgery and diligently working to return, Nwosu passed his physical in August and was cleared to practice.

SET FOR RETURN.

Once cleared, Nwosu continued his intense rehab to get back on the field. That effort looks to have paid  off for him and the team.

“We know what he brings, he’s incredibly smart, tough as crap, great all-around football player, great game runner, and great intuition. He’s a leader for us. This is a guy that you haven’t felt it on the field as much in the last year, but he’s bringing it every day in the meeting, in the building for our football team,’ Said Macdonald after the teams Wednesday walkthrough.  It’s going to be awesome, whenever he gets back, just to have him out there.”

After sitting out Week One, Nwosu is now primed for his return.  While he will surely be on a pitch count, Nwsou brings speed, quickness, and physicality to the edge rush position.

We’ll see how many plays, but Uchenna (Nwosu) will make his debut. We’re really excited, he’s working his tail off, and practicing great. I’m really happy for him because of the work that he has put in. We had an initial time table and he’s knocked that out of the park. I can’t wait to watch him play. Said Macdonald

The Seahawks will need to generate constant pressure from the interior line if they are to disrupt  Aaron Rodgers, who threw for four touchdowns in the Steelers’ win over the New York Jets.

JOSH JOBE TO START ?

If Witherspoon is unable to play, the question is who is the next man up ?

 Witherspoon is arguably the team’s best player. Will the Seahawks turn to Josh Jobe to replace Witherspoon? Jobe received the third-highest grade  of any cornerback in Week One by ProFootball Focus. .   The publication gave Jobe an 89.9 grade overall and a whopping 90.2 pass coverage grade, but dinged his run defense coverage with a 67.3 grade, which ranked him 24th  out of 75 cornerbacks. For Macdonald , Jobe’s readiness and hard work are examples of how players earn reps.

” I love telling the story because this time last year, he wasn’t playing for us. This is a guy that has come in and really bought into the process, and the details matter for him, and he does it every day. There’s a consistency there that you respect, and he’s earned these opportunities, which is really cool. If you were the coach of the team, wouldn’t you want it to work like that? Guys coming in, earning their opportunities, developing, growing as players, as people, that’s what he’s done.”

OTHER NEWS

Macdonald  also announced that  Bobo ( concussion )  and Young ( hamstring ) Young are back from their injuries and will also feature in Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh

“It’s just great to have them back as part of the mix. Each offers their own unique talents on offense and special teams. Reke (Dareke Young) in the return and gunner game and Jake (Bobo) can do everything, “ Said Macdonald.” Offensively, they both give us a physical presence, sure hands, and great route running and getting open. All that stuff is important. I’m excited to see them get back.”

The team has elected not to place rookie Nick Emmanwori on the injured reserve.

Leave a Reply