Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon doubtful vs Steelers

Sep 12, 2025, 1:28 PM | Updated: 2:38 pm

Seattle Sports

The Seattle Seahawks will likely be without two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon for Sunday’s Week 2 road matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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The Seahawks listed Witherspoon (knee) as doubtful on Friday’s injury report. They also ruled out rookie safety Nick Emmanwori (ankle), which had been expected.

Witherspoon appeared to get hurt when he collided with safety Coby Bryant on Josh Jobe’s interception midway through the fourth quarter of Seattle’s season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday. Witherspoon returned for the final defensive series and ended up playing all of the Seahawks’ 76 defensive snaps, but didn’t practice this week, according to the team’s practice report.

“We’re probably gonna take it up to the game and decide what’s gonna happen,” Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald said of Witherspoon’s status.

Emmanwori suffered a high-ankle sprain on the opening series against the 49ers after bringing down star running back Christian McCaffrey on a tackle for loss.

Earlier this week, Macdonald said the Seahawks were considering placing Emmanwori on injured reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games. But on Friday, Macdonald said they’ve decided against that for the time being, with the hope Emmanwori will miss fewer than four games.

“I don’t think it’s like a steady line that you can project, which makes it tricky,” Macdonald said of Emmanwori’s injury. “But we’re hoping it’s less than the time it would take on IR. That’s why we haven’t done it yet.”

Witherspoon and Emmanwori were the only two Seahawks with game status designations.

“I think everybody else is ready to go,” Macdonald said.

That means safety Julian Love (groin) and defensive tackle Jarran Reed (back) are both on track to play after sitting out Thursday’s practice. Love was limited on Friday, while Reed was a full participant.

That also means edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu (knee), wide receiver Jake Bobo (concussion) and wide receiver Dareke Young (hamstring) are on track to play after missing Week 1.

Macdonald indicated Nwosu will probably be on a snap count, as he’s been working back from offseason knee surgery.

“We’ll see how many plays, but Uchenna will make his debut,” Macdonald said. “We’re really excited, and he’s working his tail off. He’s practicing great. Really happy for him because of the work that he’s put in. We found out that initial timetable and he’s knocked that out of the park, so can’t wait to watch him play.”

The Steelers ruled out cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), safety DeShon Elliott (knee) and rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee) for Sunday’s game.