Fantasy Player Profile Kool-Aid McKinstry
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- DB #4
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Kool-AidMcKinstry
- AActive
- Manager: FA
@ATL: #27 vs opposing DB - 29.59 FPA
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Performs well as CB1 in 2025
McKinstry finished the 2025 season with 76 tackles (59 solo) and 17 passes defended, including three interceptions, across 17 games.
Analysis: McKinstry finished tied for sixth in the NFL in passes defended during his first season as the Saints' No. 1 cornerback. The 2024 second-rounder also improved his consistency as a tackler while playing over 400 more defensive snaps than he did as a rookie. McKinstry should set himself up for a solid payday if he performs at a similar level in 2026.
Published: Thu, Jan 8 at 6:31pm by Rotowire.com
More news and analysis available atNFL.com -
Notches five stops in Week 7 loss
McKinstry recorded five tackles (all solo) and a defensed pass in a loss to the Bears on Sunday.
Analysis: McKinstry played his usual every-down role and logged his highest tackle tally since Week 4. On the season, the second-year cornerback has 29 tackles and five pass defenses, including two interceptions, through seven games.
Published: Wed, Oct 22 at 7:40pm by Rotowire.com
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Picks off two passes in Week 5
McKinstry recorded two interceptions among his three defensed passes and added four tackles (three solo) Sunday in a 26-14 win over the Giants.
Analysis: McKinstry came up huge for New Orleans to help the team to its first win of the season. Both of his pickoffs came in the fourth quarter -- the first came on a deep pass that McKinstry grabbed as his own five-yard line, and the second (on New York's next drive) took place on a short pass at the Giants' 45-yard line. The interceptions were the first two of McKinstry's NFL career.
Published: Mon, Oct 6 at 8:22pm by Rotowire.com
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Records seven stops Week 1
McKinstry posted seven tackles (five solo) and a defensed pass in a loss to Arizona on Sunday.
Analysis: McKinstry finished tied for third on Arizona with his seven stops, one of which went for a loss. The second-year cornerback broke up six passes as a rookie last season while recording 42 tackles over 15 games. He moved into a starting role late in the second half of the campaign and has held onto that status to begin the 2025 season, as he played all 66 of New Orleans' defensive snaps Sunday.
Published: Tue, Sep 9 at 8:54pm by Rotowire.com
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Becomes starter as rookie
McKinstry recorded 42 tackles (32 solo) and six pass breakups across 15 games during the 2024 season.
Analysis: Both Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) and Paulson Adebo (upper leg) missed large chunks of the season due to injury -- and the former was also traded to the Commanders at the deadline -- so McKinstry was forced to step up as a starter for a good portion of 2024, including all of New Orleans' last seven games. He wasn't picked on too often despite his inexperience, but he did surrender some explosive plays. With Lattimore now in Washington and Adebo set to become an unrestricted free agent during…read more
Published: Wed, Jan 8 at 11:37am by Rotowire.com
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Full practice participant Thursday
McKinstry (neck/shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.
Analysis: McKinstry was knocked out of the Saints' Week 15 loss to the Commanders due to a neck injury, and he finished the game with six tackles (four solo). It doesn't appear to be a lasting issue, as he was able to practice without limitations in New Orleans' first official session of the week Thursday. Barring any setbacks, McKinstry should be able to suit up against Green Bay on Monday. The rookie second-round pick has logged 33 tackles (26 solo) and five pass defenses across 12 regular-season games.
Published: Thu, Dec 19 at 3:23pm by Rotowire.com
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Exits with injury Sunday
McKinstry sustained a neck injury and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Commanders.
Analysis: McKinstry logged six tackles before exiting late in the second half Sunday. The rookie second-round pick has moved up into a starting role since cornerback Marshon Lattimore was sent to the Commanders at the trade deadline. With McKinstry sidelined, expect Shemar Jean-Charles to step up apposite starting cornerback Alontae Taylor.
Published: Sun, Dec 15 at 1:04pm by Rotowire.com
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Good to go against Cleveland
McKinstry (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Browns.
Analysis: McKinstry finished the week strong with back-to-back full practices, and he will return Sunday from a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury. The rookie second-round pick should see a significant uptick in defensive snaps after Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) was traded to the Commanders at the trade deadline Nov. 5.
Published: Sun, Nov 17 at 9:05am by Rotowire.com
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Questionable vs. Browns
McKinstry (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Cleveland.
Analysis: Despite logging consecutive full practices to end the week, McKinstry will still draw the questionable tag after missing the Saints' last two games due to a hamstring injury. If McKinstry is able to return Sunday, he would reclaim his starting spot at corner alongside Alontae Taylor; otherwise, Shemar Jean-Charles would draw the start for a third straight game.
Published: Fri, Nov 15 at 4:42pm by Rotowire.com
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Past hamstring injury
McKinstry (hamstring) was listed as a full practice participant Thursday.
Analysis: McKinstry returned to practice Wednesday after missing the Saints' last two games due to a hamstring injury. He appears to be on track to play Sunday against the Browns, however, after he was able to practice Thursday without limitations. In the eight games prior to his injury, McKinstry logged 18 tackles (14 solo) and three pass defenses.
Published: Thu, Nov 14 at 3:08pm by Rotowire.com
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Begins week with limited work
McKinstry (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
Analysis: McKinstry had logged five consecutive DNPs before Wednesday's limited session, which suggests he could be nearing a return to the field. The 2024 second-round pick's participation in practice both Thursday and Friday will likely provide the best indication of whether he can play in the Saints' Week 11 matchup against the Browns.
Published: Wed, Nov 13 at 2:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Missing another week
McKinstry (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.
Analysis: The rookie corner from Alabama was unable to practice all week after missing the Saints' Week 9 loss to the Panthers due to a hamstring injury, so it's no surprise he won't suit up in Week 10. Shemar Jean-Charles is expected to start opposite Rico Payton (back) as part of the Saints' top outside cornerback duo in McKinstry's stead.
Published: Fri, Nov 8 at 12:47pm by Rotowire.com
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Opens week as DNP
McKinstry (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday.
Analysis: McKinstry was sidelined for the Saints' Week 9 loss to the Panthers after likely aggravating his hamstring injury in practice, and Wednesday's DNP suggests he could be in jeopardy of missing more time. The 2024 second-round pick likely needs to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday in order to play in Week 10, when the Saints host the Falcons.
Published: Wed, Nov 6 at 2:38pm by Rotowire.com
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Opens week as DNP
McKinstry (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday.
Analysis: McKinstry was sidelined for the Saints' Week 9 loss to the Panthers after likely worsening his hamstring injury in practice, and Wednesday's DNP suggests he could be in jeopardy of missing more time. The 2024 second-round pick likely needs to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday in order to play in Week 10, when the Saints host the Falcons.
Published: Wed, Nov 6 at 2:37pm by Rotowire.com
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Ruled out for Sunday
Head coach Dennis Allens said Friday that McKinstry (hamstring) won't play in Sunday's game against the Panthers.
Analysis: McKinstry appears to have worsened his hamstring issue in practice this week, as he recorded a limited session Wednesday then downgraded to DNPs both Thursday and Friday. With each of the Saints' top two outside cornerbacks, McKinstry and Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), sidelined in Week 9, Rico Payton (back) and Ugo Amadi could see increased work with New Orleans' first-team defense.
Published: Fri, Nov 1 at 1:51pm by Rotowire.com
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Dealing with hamstring injury
McKinstry (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: McKinstry got his second start of the season in Week 8 against the Broncos, during which he registered five tackles (four solo) and one pass breakup. The rookie second-round pick is set to see more snaps with the first-team defense following the season-ending injury to Paulson Adebo (lower leg). However, McKinstry has been working through a hamstring injury this week that limited him in practice Wednesday and kept him off the field Thursday. It's a trend in the wrong direction, but he'll have a…read more
Published: Thu, Oct 31 at 2:56pm by Rotowire.com
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Stepping into larger role
McKinstry is slated to handle an expanded role on defense beginning Sunday versus the Chargers, with Paulson Adebo (lower leg) having been placed on IR due to a season-ending broken femur, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.
Analysis: McKinstry, a rookie first-round pick, played 47 and 86 percent of defensive snaps Weeks 1 and 2, but he then transitioned into a depth role on defense until Adebo's injury Week 7. After Adebo went down versus Denver, McKinstry played 30 defensive snaps, his second-highest total of the season. He projects to join Marshon Lattimore as a starter on the perimeter on the road versus Los Angeles on Sunday.
Published: Thu, Oct 24 at 8:21am by Rotowire.com
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Ready for debut
McKinstry (knee) is not listed on the Saints' injury report Wednesday.
Analysis: McKinstry left New Orleans' second preseason game early with the injury, but it wasn't believed to be anything that would keep the rookie sidelined for an extended period. His absence from the team's initial injury report confirms that belief and he should be on the field Sunday against the Panthers. Although he's expected to play in a reserve role with Marshon Lattimore (hip) questionable for the game, the Alabama product could find himself on the field often Week 1.
Published: Wed, Sep 4 at 1:45pm by Rotowire.com
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On track to play Week 1
McKinstry (knee) avoided serious injury in Sunday's preseason game against the 49ers, Jordan Schultz of BleacherReport.com reports.
Analysis: McKinstry limped off the field after the Saints' first defensive drive in Sunday's contest and was taken back to the locker room. Further evaluation didn't reveal any significant issues, and the rookie second-round pick is expected to suit up for New Orleans' regular-season opener against Carolina on Sept. 8.
Published: Tue, Aug 20 at 3:42pm by Rotowire.com
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Leaves game with leg injury
McKinstry left Sunday's preseason game against the 49ers due to a right leg injury and is questionable to return, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: McKinstry came off the field limping after the Saints' first defensive drive, and he went back to the locker room after being checked out by trainers in the medical tent. He did not record a tackle before leaving Sunday's contest. Coach Dennis Allen clarified after the game that the injury was to McKinstry's knee, per John Hendrix of Sports Illustrated.
Published: Sun, Aug 18 at 5:46pm by Rotowire.com
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Past foot issue
McKinstry (foot) participated in the Saints' first training camp practice Wednesday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.
Analysis: The 2024 second-round pick out of Alabama has been nursing a foot injury for a couple of months now, but it appears that he's moved past the issue. McKinstry recorded 23 defensed passes across his three years at Alabama, and since he's fully healthy again, the rookie is expected to step in and serve as a rotational cornerback immediately in New Orleans.
Published: Wed, Jul 24 at 1:37pm by Rotowire.com
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Getting closer to return
McKinstry (foot) is nearing a return to health, and coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday "there's a chance" he could begin taking on-field reps at the Saints' mandatory minicamp, Matthew Paras of NOLA.com reports.
Analysis: McKinstry is recovering from surgery undergone to address a Jones fracture in his right foot, an injury discovered at the NFL Scouting Combine. Due to the surgery McKinstry has missed rookie minicamp and OTAs, but it appears he's nearing a return. Allen said "I don't think we'll see him in any team work next week" at mandatory minicamp, but that the rookie second-round pick could be "maybe working in some walkthroughs and individual type stuff."
Published: Thu, Jun 6 at 8:47am by Rotowire.com
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| Tackles | Turnover | Fantasy | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wk | Opp | Tot | Sck | Int | Frc Fum | Fum Rec | Pts |
| 1 | ARI, | 5 | - | - | - | - | 7.00 |
| 2 | SF, | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1.00 |
| 3 | @SEA, | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1.00 |
| 4 | @BUF, | 7 | - | - | - | - | 7.00 |
| 5 | NYG, | 3 | - | 2 | - | - | 10.50 |
| 6 | NE, | 4 | - | - | - | - | 4.00 |
| 7 | @CHI, | 5 | - | - | - | - | 6.00 |
| 8 | TB, | 3 | - | - | - | - | 5.50 |
| 9 | @LAR, | 3 | - | - | - | - | 5.00 |
| 10 | @CAR, | 4 | - | - | - | - | 5.00 |
| 11 | Bye | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
| 12 | ATL, | 2 | - | - | - | - | 3.00 |
| 13 | @MIA, | 2 | - | 1 | - | - | 5.50 |
| 14 | @TB, | 6 | - | - | - | - | 7.50 |
| 15 | CAR, | 3 | - | - | - | - | 3.50 |
| 16 | NYJ, | 3 | - | - | - | - | 5.00 |
| 17 | @TEN, | 4 | - | - | - | - | 7.00 |
| 18 | @ATL, | 3 | - | - | - | - | 7.00 |
- McKinstry's hit on Godwin leads to Bucs' third turnover on downsSun, Dec 7 at 12:42pm
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry dislodges a potential fourth-down catch from Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin forcing a third turnover on downs.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry STUFFS Ollie Gordon II for huge fourth-down stopSun, Nov 30 at 1:09pm
New Orleans Saints safety Kool-Aid McKinstry flies into the backfield to stuff Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II for a huge fourth-down stop.
- Can't-Miss Play: Kool-Aid McKinstry goes WAY upstairs to pick off Tagovailoa's deep launchSun, Nov 30 at 11:08am
New Orleans cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry leaps up to snag an end zone interception from Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry picks off Jaxson Dart for second interception of the gameSun, Oct 5 at 1:33pm
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry intercepts New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart for a second time.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry's first-career pick is an interception of Jaxson DartSun, Oct 5 at 12:47pm
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry intercepts New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry gives updates on Saints' defense getting better | 'Inside Training Camp Live'Sun, Aug 3 at 12:54pm
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry gives updates on Saints' defense getting better.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry gets a PBU vs. Ridder's pass intended for PascalSat, Aug 10 at 5:47pm
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry gets a PBU vs. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder's pass intended for wide receiver Zach Pascal.
- Brooks, Zierlein compare Kool-Aid McKinstry to Joey Porter Jr. | 'NFL Draft Center'Fri, Apr 26 at 5:25pm
NFL Network's Bucky Brooks and Lance Zierlein compare Kool-Aid McKinstry to Joey Porter Jr. after being selected No. 41 overall by Eagles during the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Saints select Kool-Aid McKinstry with No. 41 pick in 2024 draftFri, Apr 26 at 5:12pm
Representing the New Orleans Saints, tight end Taysom Hill announces the Saints' selection of cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 41 overall pick (via a trade with the Green Bay Packers).
- David Carr: Texans' best-possible pick today would be Kool-Aid McKinstry | 'NFL Draft Kickoff'Fri, Apr 26 at 2:08pm
NFL Network's David Carr believes Houston Texans' best-possible pick today would be Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry
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Up Next- McKinstry's hit on Godwin leads to Bucs' third turnover on downsSun, Dec 7 at 12:42pm
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry dislodges a potential fourth-down catch from Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin forcing a third turnover on downs.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry STUFFS Ollie Gordon II for huge fourth-down stopSun, Nov 30 at 1:09pm
New Orleans Saints safety Kool-Aid McKinstry flies into the backfield to stuff Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II for a huge fourth-down stop.
- Can't-Miss Play: Kool-Aid McKinstry goes WAY upstairs to pick off Tagovailoa's deep launchSun, Nov 30 at 11:08am
New Orleans cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry leaps up to snag an end zone interception from Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry picks off Jaxson Dart for second interception of the gameSun, Oct 5 at 1:33pm
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry intercepts New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart for a second time.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry's first-career pick is an interception of Jaxson DartSun, Oct 5 at 12:47pm
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry intercepts New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry gives updates on Saints' defense getting better | 'Inside Training Camp Live'Sun, Aug 3 at 12:54pm
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry gives updates on Saints' defense getting better.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry gets a PBU vs. Ridder's pass intended for PascalSat, Aug 10 at 5:47pm
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry gets a PBU vs. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder's pass intended for wide receiver Zach Pascal.
- Brooks, Zierlein compare Kool-Aid McKinstry to Joey Porter Jr. | 'NFL Draft Center'Fri, Apr 26 at 5:25pm
NFL Network's Bucky Brooks and Lance Zierlein compare Kool-Aid McKinstry to Joey Porter Jr. after being selected No. 41 overall by Eagles during the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Saints select Kool-Aid McKinstry with No. 41 pick in 2024 draftFri, Apr 26 at 5:12pm
Representing the New Orleans Saints, tight end Taysom Hill announces the Saints' selection of cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 41 overall pick (via a trade with the Green Bay Packers).
- David Carr: Texans' best-possible pick today would be Kool-Aid McKinstry | 'NFL Draft Kickoff'Fri, Apr 26 at 2:08pm
NFL Network's David Carr believes Houston Texans' best-possible pick today would be Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry