SEATTLE -- The Seahawks were without two of their top three safeties Wednesday night, with Nick Emmanwori and Ty Okada inactive for their season-opening 13-10 win over the New England Patriots.
Okada, who starts on the back end alongside Julian Love, had already been ruled out because of a hamstring injury. Emmanwori, who plays extensively as the third safety, was listed as questionable. However, signs pointed to last season's runner-up for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year not being available for Week 1 as he continues to work his way back from ankle surgery.
Emmanwori was listed as limited on all three of Seattle's injury reports this week, indicating he still wasn't a full go. He had an arthroscopic procedure in July to repair a right ankle injury that he played through in Seattle's win over New England in Super Bowl LX.
Rodney Thomas II, elevated off Seattle's practice squad Tuesday, filled in for Okada against the Patriots and came up with a key pass deflection that led to a fourth-quarter interception. The fifth-year pro made 26 starts over his first three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. The team also signed AJ Finley off its practice squad and released guard Bryce Cabeldue to make room on its 53-man roster.
"Rodney and AJ are extremely intelligent, instinctive football players," Seahawks general manager John Schneider said during his pregame radio interview on Seattle Sports 710 AM. "They both have a lot of range. Maybe more true free safeties. ... Ty's got a little bit more versatility to him, but both these guys can swing down to the box to a certain extent, but definitely more free safeties. Excited to have those guys up and excited for their opportunity. Obviously, a bummer about Ty and we hope to get Nick back soon."
In addition to Thomas, the Seahawks elevated running back Velus Jones Jr. off their practice squad for the opener.
Also inactive for the Seahawks were quarterback Jalen Milroe, wide receiver Tory Horton (hamstring), guard Beau Stephens, tight end Nick Kallerup and defensive end Mike Morris. Milroe was the emergency third quarterback, meaning he could suit up but could play only if both Sam Darnold and Drew Lock went down.
