Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama star DB, has Jones fracture, won't work out at NFL combine, per report
Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry reportedly won't test at the 2024 NFL scouting combine this week after all.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Crimson Tide NFL combine medical evaluations uncovered a Jones fracture in his right foot, keeping him sidelined in Indianapolis.
McKinstry is one of the top cornerbacks in this year's NFL draft class, coming in at No. 7 on ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.'s big board for the position. Though he won't participate in positional drills, McKinstry has and will continue to meet with NFL teams while in Indianapolis.
Kool-Aid McKinstry injury update
McKinstry reportedly discovered the Jones fracture in his right foot during NFL combine medical evaluations. He is still expected to work out in front of NFL scouts at Alabama's Pro Day later this month before getting it repaired, according to Rapoport.
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What is a Jones fracture?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a Jones fracture is a type of broken bone. The fracture occurs when one breaks their fifth metatarsal – the bone that joins your pinkie toe to the base of your foot.
Jones fractures are most common in sports injuries or falls, when one puts a sudden force on the outside of their foot with the foot twisted away from their body. A typical timeframe for recovery is three to four months, which for McKinstry would put a return time of around NFL training camp later this summer.
Kool-Aid McKinstry stats at Alabama
McKinstry was one of the nation's top cornerbacks at Alabama, earning first-team All-American honors and being named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in 2023. He was also an efficient punt returner for the Crimson Tide the past two seasons, finishing with 35 returns for 418 yards.
- Career: 61 total tackles, five tackles for a loss, two sacks, 25 passes deflected and two interceptions; 35 punt returns for 418 yards
- 2023: 24 total tackles, seven passes deflected and two tackles for a loss; 14 punt returns for 86 yards
- 2022: 29 total tackles, 16 passes deflected, two tackles for a loss, one sack and one interception; 21 punt returns for 332 yards
- 2021: Eight total tackles, two passes deflected, one tackle for a loss, one sack and an interception
Kool-Aid McKinstry NFL draft projections
McKinstry is projected as a late first-round pick in April's draft. The former Tide defensive back is ranked as the No. 7 cornerback in this year's draft class by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.
Here's a look at where some NFL draft analysts have McKinstry going in their mock drafts:
USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (as of Feb. 26): No. 29 overall to the Lions
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards (as of Feb. 29):No. 25 overall to the Green Bay Packers
NFL Network's Bucky Brooks (as of Feb. 28): No. 27 overall to the Arizona Cardinals
The Athletic (as of Feb. 22): No. 29 overall to the Detroit Lions