NFL Rumors: Kool-Aid McKinstry Won't Work Out at 2024 Combine Due to Foot Injury

One of the top cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL draft won't take part in combine drills this weekend due to an injury that was discovered during his medical evaluation.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Alabama star Kool-Aid McKinstry won't work out in Indianapolis due to a Jones fracture in his right foot.

Rapoport noted McKinstry will take part in Alabama's pro day later this month and get his foot fixed afterward to be 100 percent for the start of the NFL season.

It's unclear when the injury occurred, though NFL.com's Kevin Patra noted it can result from "increased training or running on uneven surfaces."

McKinstry's injury does throw a potential wrench into the cornerback class leading up to the draft. He had a stellar three-year career at the Crimson Tide from 2021 to '23 that was capped off by being named a first-team All-American last season.

B/R's NFL scouting department ranked McKinstry as the third-best cornerback and No. 15 overall prospect in this year's draft class following the Senior Bowl. He was projected to be selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the 19th pick in a post-Super Bowl mock draft.

Every injury leading up to the draft tends to raise some red flags for the prospect, but it could be especially worrisome for a cornerback to have a foot injury because of how quickly and frequently they have to stop on a dime and turn quickly to keep up with receivers.

McKinstry's pro day will be even more important now than it was going to be. If he has a strong showing and teams are confident the Jones fracture is only a bump in the road, it shouldn't impact his stock much at all.

If McKinstry's pro day isn't up to the standard he set in games, teams might be discouraged enough to push him down their board. The fact that there is optimism he will be at full strength before the start of the season is one encouraging sign.

Alabama's pro day is scheduled for March 20, with the draft set to begin on April 25.

McKinstry finished his college career with 23 pass breakups, five tackles for loss and two interceptions in 42 games for the Crimson Tide.