Appears Devon Witherspoon won’t play DK Metcalf + other Seahawks injury news
It appears Devon Witherspoon won’t be woofin’ at his old pal who’s now in Pittsburgh.
Witherspoon, Seattle’s two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, is officially doubtful to play Sunday when the Seahawks (0-1) face former teammate DK Metcalf and the Steelers (1-0) in Pittsburgh (10 a.m., FOX television, channel 13 locally).
Witherspoon did not practice this week. He played 100% of Seattle’s defensive snaps in Seattle’s loss to San Francisco last weekend. He collided with cornerback Josh Jobe on Jobe’s leaping interception of Brock Purdy in the second half.
Wednesday Witherspoon appeared on the Seahawks’ injury practice report with a new knee injury. “It’s unfortunate, friendly fire,” coach Mike Macdonald said following practice Friday. “Things that happen.” The coach said the team’s medical staff does not believe Witherspoon’s absence will be long-term.
Witherspoon’s likely absence Sunday means Josh Jobe, Riq Woolen (coming off a bad end of the game last week) plus veteran Shaquill Griffin and second-year pro Nehemiah Pritchett are likely to be Seattle’s top four cornerbacks Sunday against new Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ quick passing game.
“We have plans A, B, C, and D,” Macdonald said. “I’m thinking of an Austin Powers line right now, but it’s probably not appropriate.”
Three of those four are likely to play when Macdonald goes to nickel defense with a fifth defensive back. Witherspoon, who starts outside then plays inside as the primary nickel cornerback when Seattle goes to five defensive backs, has played in 20 consecutive games dating to the 2023 season.
“If some things were to happen, (Griffin would) be the next guy in the game, probably, him and Nehemiah,” Macdonald said.
Macdonald did that 80% of the time last weekend against the 49ers, even when initial fifth DB Emmanwori went out injured. Witherspoon, Woolen and Jobe were the three cornerbacks when the Seahawks were in nickel week one.
Emmanwori is out for Sunday, per Seattle’s official injury report Friday for the game. The safety and second-round draft choice sustained a high-ankle sprain five snaps into the opening game last weekend. Macdonald said it appears Emmanwori won’t go on injured reserve. The team believes he can return before the four weeks IR players must miss, at a minimum.
Uchenna Nwosu debut?
Uchenna Nwosu is not on the injury report for Sunday’s game. The outside linebacker will play in Pittsburgh. It will be his first game since Jan. 5, last season’s finale. He had knee surgery in the offseason.
“We know what he brings,” Macdonald said Wednesday. “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 meetings, in the building for our football team.” Friday, the coach said: “We’ll see how many plays, but Uchenna will make his debut. ...I can’t wait to see him play.”
The veteran pass rusher missed 11 of 17 games last season. He’s played in just 12 of Seattle’s last 35 regular-season games dating to the start of the 2023 season.
Julian Love OK
Pro Bowl safety Julian Love didn’t practice Thursday because of a groin issue. He was a limited participant in practice Wednesday and Friday.
Yet Love was not on the injury report for Sunday’s game. Macdonald said Love will start again with Coby Bryant in the back of Seattle’s defense on Sunday.
This story was originally published September 12, 2025 at 1:25 PM.
