Seahawks coach Macdonald on Nwosu's return: "We're really excited. He's working his tail off."

The Seattle Seahawks face a challenging matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with key injuries impacting their defensive lineup.

Why it matters: The health of Seattle's defensive roster will significantly influence their performance against a formidable Steelers offense led by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Devon Witherspoon, a Pro Bowl cornerback, is listed as doubtful for the game due to a knee injury sustained in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. His absence would create a significant void in the secondary, especially against an experienced quarterback like Rodgers, who excels at exploiting mismatches.

What’s new: Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori has been ruled out with a high ankle sprain, further depleting the Seahawks' defensive backfield.

• Love's status remains uncertain as he deals with a groin injury that limited his practice time leading up to the game.
• Uchenna Nwosu, returning from knee surgery, is expected to contribute but may be on a snap count, making his impact less predictable.

Yes, but: Despite these injuries, there are reasons for optimism within the Seahawks camp. Coach Mike Macdonald expressed confidence in the recovery of both Witherspoon and Nwosu.

• Macdonald noted that Witherspoon's injury is not expected to be long-term, which could bode well for the team as the season progresses.
• He emphasized Nwosu's hard work in rehabilitation, stating, "We're really excited. He's working his tail off, he's practicing great."

What to watch: The status of Riq Woolen is another critical factor. After struggling in his previous game, his starting position is uncertain.

• If Woolen does not start, Josh Jobe’s strong performance in the No. 3 role could lead to him stepping into a more prominent position.
• Shaquill Griffin stands ready as the next option at cornerback, demonstrating the depth available in Seattle’s defensive lineup.

The bottom line: As the Seahawks prepare to take on the Steelers, their ability to adapt to these injuries will be pivotal. The team's success hinges on how effectively they can manage their defensive rotations while still confronting a potent Pittsburgh offense.

With key players dealing with injuries, the Seahawks must find ways to maximize their remaining talent and strategize effectively to remain competitive in this crucial matchup.