One of the Houston Texans’ top draft targets won’t work out at the NFL combine anymore.
Medical tests on Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry – who some have mocked to the Texans with the No. 23 pick – revealed a Jones fracture in his right foot, according to multiple reports. McKinstry won’t do on-field workouts at the combine, but he is expected to workout during his Pro Day on March 20 before he undergoes surgery ahead of the NFL draft in April, according to reports. That timetable would put McKinstry on track to be ready in time for training camp later this summer.
The Texans already had a formal interview with McKinstry – among other defensive backs – and could draft a cornerback with their first-round pick to pair with standout Derek Stingley Jr. No. 2 cornerback Steven Nelson played well, but it’s unclear if the team will re-sign him or go in a different direction this offseason. General manager Nick Caserio mentioned at the combine that the team will look at its internal free agents first before making decisions on external ones.
McKinstry played in 42 games for Alabama and finished his college career with 93 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and 23 passes defended.
The severity of this injury can vary depending on how much damage was done before the diagnosis. A Jones fracture is essentially a small break on pinky toe side of the foot and recovery can last from six to 12 weeks. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel sustained a Jones fracture during the 2020 offseason and missed the first three games of the season before he returned to the field.