Kool-Aid McKinstry has beginning bust, but being counted on by Saints
Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry got on the field for 28 defensive snaps and nine special-teams plays in his NFL debut, and the former Pinson Valley High School and Alabama standout might be in for an even bigger role in Game 2 on Sunday.
The New Orleans Saints put the rookie cornerback on the field in their season-opener against the Carolina Panthers when Marshon Lattimore came out with a hamstring injury. The New Orleans injury report for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys lists Lattimore’s participation status as questionable after he failed to practice this week.
“I’m always ready to play,” McKinstry said on Thursday. “I’m always locked in and ready. You never know. And that’s a big thing. A lot of guys around the locker room always been telling me ‘You never know when your number’s called. Could be first play, could be last play,’ so I prepared that way last week, and that’s the same thing I’m doing for this week.”
McKinstry made two tackles, and profootballreference.com shows receivers being covered by the rookie were targeted three times by Carolina quarterback Bryce Young with one completion for 5 yards. Pro Football Focus says McKinstry gave up two receptions for 40 yards.
