2024 NFL Combine Injury News Roundup

Alabama, CB, Kool-Aid McKinstry

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry also did not work out at the NFL Combine because medical staff discovered a Jones fracture in right foot, causing him to fail the physical. He will work out at Alabama’s Pro Day on March 20, then undergo surgery with a recovery that’s likely to carry into OTAs. The injury and recovery late in the process could cause him to slip out of the first round, where 94% of mock drafts have him getting selected up to this point.

Georgia, OT, Amarius Mims

The behemoth offensive tackle suffered a right hamstring strain while running the 40-yard dash. Although it’s an unfortunate injury, the strain is unlikely to linger into OTAs and will not affect his draft stock. The nearly six-foot-eight, 340 pound tackle out of Georgia is projected to go in the first round, with 76.4% of mock drafts currently expecting him to go then.

Texas A&M, WR, Ainias Smith

During the medical examinations at the combine, the speedster was found to have a stress fracture in his left shin. The injury caused him to miss workouts at the combine and is unlikely to work out at A&M’s pro day. He will meet with a specialist and likely undergo surgery ahead of the draft although he should be cleared to return to action by training camp.

Smith is projected to be chosen in the fifth round, according to NFL mockdraft database.

Iowa, CB, Cooper DeJean

The Iowa cornerback did not participate in drills at combine while recovering from a fractured fibula he suffered in mid-November. He appears to be recovering well and should not see a hit to his draft stock because of the injury.

Illinois, DL, Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton

Newton posted impressive numbers in various drills at the combine despite undergoing surgery in January to repair a Jones fracture. Newton is a first-round talent but the previous Jones fracture gives him a higher chance for another Jones fracture on the other foot in the future. Still, don’t be surprised to see him drafted at the end of the first or early second round.

Clemson, CB, Nate Wiggins

The cornerback ran a blazing 4.29 on the 40-yard dash but said he felt a “pop” and did not run again after pulling his groin on the first 40 attempt. Wiggins’ injury should not linger into the offseason program and the soft-tissue muscle injury will likely resolve without surgery.