The New Orleans Saints received a positive update regarding rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, who has been out with a hamstring injury since late October. Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed that McKinstry took part in practice on a limited basis this Wednesday, a promising sign as he works toward a potential return.
“Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi stated that cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry was limited in Wednesday’s practice, while center Erik McCoy wasn’t fully cleared to participate yet. However, Rizzi is optimistic that both players will be ready to go by the end of the week,” reported Mike Triplett via X.
McKinstry’s steady recovery is a promising development for the Saints’ secondary, which has dealt with multiple challenges and changes in recent weeks. Since sustaining a hamstring injury during the October 27th game against the Los Angeles Chargers, McKinstry has been sidelined, missing two important games. His absence has been particularly noticeable as the Saints have had to adjust their lineup following the trade of veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders.
Saints look to get secondary reinforcements with Kool-Aid McKinstry back
The rookie cornerback, a second-round pick from Alabama, had been making a significant impact before his injury, contributing strongly to the Saints’ defense with solid performances. With McKinstry sidelined, New Orleans has turned to Alontae Taylor, Shemar Jean-Charles, and Ugo Amadi to step up in the secondary. The team has also been dealing with the loss of another key player, Paulson Adebo, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending leg injury earlier in October.
