The Seattle Seahawks secured a 31–17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the focus quickly shifted from celebration to concern. Head coach Mike Macdonald has now shared a cautious injury update that could impact the Seattle Seahawks’ Week 3 strategy.

In a Zoom conversation with Gregg Bell, Macdonald disclosed that Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon bruised the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of his knee, putting him in doubt for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints. He added that they were still evaluating the injury and would make a decision closer to game day.

Witherspoon, listed as questionable on Friday, went through a pregame workout but was ruled out against Pittsburgh.

Following their Week 2 win, the head coach expressed optimism, saying, “we’re optimistic” that Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori will practice this week, but noted the report “wasn’t as clean as we initially anticipated.”

The 24-year-old cornerback played through Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, but was later diagnosed with an MCL bruise. He finished the game with 6 solo tackles, 2 assists, and 1 pass deflection, showing his usual lockdown presence in coverage. Though he completed all defensive snaps, the injury surfaced afterward and kept him out of Week 2.

Rookie safety Emmanwori suffered a high ankle sprain in his Week 1 debut after making a tackle for loss on Brock Purdy, sidelining him just as Seattle’s secondary was gaining momentum. He had shown promise in the preseason, recording 4 tackles across three games. His absence, along with Devon Witherspoon’s, has disrupted the defensive rhythm and increased pressure on a depleted unit heading into Week 3.

With Jalen Milroe remaining as the emergency third quarterback, the Seahawks adjusted their roster ahead of Sunday by promoting safety D’Anthony Bell and defensive lineman Brandon Pili from the practice squad.

Both made their regular-season debuts in the win over Pittsburgh, highlighting the team’s effort to manage depth amid injuries.

Mike Macdonald manages injuries in Seahawks’ week 2 win

Seattle emerged injury-free from their 31–17 win over the Steelers, despite a brief scare when center Jalen Sundell exited in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be a serious issue.

Head coach Mike Macdonald clarified postgame, saying, “Jalen, he cramped, I think, in his leg. So I don’t think it’s anything serious. There’s really no other injuries to report.”

Sundell, an undrafted rookie from North Dakota State, had won the starting job over Olu Oluwatimi and helped stabilize the offensive line after a chaotic Week 1. His improved play gave Sam Darnold time to throw for 295 yards and two touchdowns, despite two early interceptions.

Cooper Kupp added seven catches for 90 yards, while Kenneth Walker rushed for 105 yards on 13 carries, including the game-sealing touchdown.

Seattle’s defense held Pittsburgh to 267 total yards and intercepted Aaron Rodgers twice, showcasing a balanced formula for success.

With injuries to Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori still looming, Macdonald remains cautiously optimistic. If both practice this week, the defense regains its aggressive edge; if not, he’ll rely on roster flexibility. Either way, the coach is focused on adapting: a steady hand guiding a team through early-season adversity.