SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Seattle Seahawks practiced for 1 hour, 47 minutes without pads on Thursday, their second practice of Super Bowl week. It was sunny and 74 degrees when the team began with a stretch period at 2 p.m.
Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori did not participate in practice because of an ankle injury he sustained a day earlier. He was not on the field on Thursday. Head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters Thursday morning before practice that Emmanwori had a low ankle sprain and he “fully expects” him to play Sunday.
When asked what the practice plan for Emmanwori will be for Seattle’s remaining practices, Macdonald said the team would “take it day by day.”
“See how he’s feeling,” Macdonald said. “He’ll be ready to go regardless. Let’s do the smartest thing for us and him every day, and make sure we’re ready to go, We’ll evaluate it tomorrow and see how much he can do.”
Quarterback Sam Darnold was a full participant in practice for the first time since injuring his oblique on Jan. 15.
Two Seattle players were limited in practice Thursday: left tackle Charles Cross (foot) and fullback Robbie Ouzts (neck).
Ten other Seattle players on the injury report fully participated in practice: wide receiver Jake Bobo (hand), linebacker Ernest Jones IV (chest), tackle Josh Jones (ankle/knee), linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (not injury-related — rest), safety Julian Love (shoulder), fullback Brady Russell (hand), tight end Eric Saubert (hamstring), receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (not injury-related — rest), linebacker Drake Thomas (shoulder), defensive end Leonard Williams (not injury-related — rest).
Seahawks players practiced Thursday to a high-energy classic rock playlist featuring Creed, Linkin Park and Metallica.
“I do prefer the music on Thursdays compared to Wednesdays,” Macdonald said. “Thankful to Cooper Kupp on that motion. He asked for more classic rock on Thursdays, and we obliged.”
Seattle players spent the first hour on Thursday in position-specific drills and about 45 minutes in a team period. Players looked loose, running back Velus Jones Jr. sang along to “Eye of the Tiger” and several players and coaches started dancing during a break in the team period when the song “Percolator” played.
On one third down during a team period with the first-team defense facing the scout-team offense, Williams and Lawrence turned to the sideline and raised their arms up and down, signaling for a non-existent crowd to make some noise.
“Wednesday is normally more of a work day for us,” Macdonald said. “Today is more of … energetic (than) a normal Thursday. Guys did a great job.”
NBC analysts, sideline reporters and crew attended Seattle’s practice ahead of their production meetings with the team.
Kupp broke down the team after practice. Macdonald declined to share the veteran player’s message.
“We’ll leave that with our guys, but he was great,” Macdonald said.
The Seahawks will practice again Friday afternoon.
–Pro Football Writers of America
