Nick Saban reveals injury sustained by Kool-Aid McKinstry in SEC Championship game

Kool-Aid McKinstry suffered a concussion in Alabama’s win over Georgia in the SEC Championship. Alabama head coach Nick Saban provided further details on his standout cornerback’s injury.

“Kool-Aid has a concussion,” Saban said. “He goes in concussion protocol. We’ll figure out how bad it is, how long it takes, when he’ll be clear. All the testing mechanisms that we have right now I think are really beneficial to players not getting multiple concussions… Our medical staff has always done a really good job of protecting the players when these things occur.”

McKinstry went down against the Bulldogs after suffering a collision on an attempted tackle. He was immediately taken to the medical tent after the medical staff helped him off the field. Alabama’s secondary stepped up with McKinstry unavailable, holding Georgia to 192 passing yards, more than 100 less than the Bulldogs’ average.

While Alabama succeeded on Saturday, it will welcome McKinstry back with open arms. The 6-foot-1 junior boasts 27 tackles this season and seven passes defended. For his efforts this season, McKinstry was selected as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented each year to the nation’s top defensive back.

He was also named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, earned midseason All-America honors at corner from CBS Sports and USA Today while being named to the Associated Press’ first team. Earlier this season, Saban praised McKinstry’s growth.

Alabama needs Kool-Aid McKinstry to recover

“You know, he’s done a good job. I think, you know, he has a lot of confidence in what he’s supposed to do and I think he’s starting to see the importance of how influencing other people can actually create value for himself,” Saban said. “But that’s a little harder to do at corner than it is when you’re playing safety or star. Because you’re in the middle of things and you’re making calls, but he’s done a good job of that.”

The Crimson Tide will need McKinstry more than ever in their next matchup. On Jan. 1, Alabama will square off against No. 1 overall seed Michigan in the Rose Bowl. The winner of the game will go to the National Championship.

Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy has only thrown four interceptions this season compared to his 19 touchdowns. Perhaps McKinstry can add a few extra stains on McCarthy’s resumé. First, he must get healthy. The programs will square off on Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN.