A major setback has hit one of the top running back prospects in the 2026 draft class. Nicholas Singleton, standout for the Penn State Nittany Lions football, suffered a broken foot during practice ahead of the Senior Bowl and will miss on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine.
According to Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle, Singleton fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during Thursday’s Senior Bowl practice in Mobile, Alabama. His father confirmed that surgery is scheduled for next week in Alabama, with rehab expected to sideline the running back through key portions of the pre-draft calendar.
The timing is especially tough. The Senior Bowl and Combine are prime evaluation windows for prospects to showcase speed, agility, and durability in front of NFL decision-makers. Singleton will still be able to meet with teams and complete medical evaluations, but he won’t participate in the drills that often boost a back’s stock.
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What this means for Singleton’s draft outlook
Before the injury, Singleton was widely viewed as one of the most explosive backs available. His combination of burst, balance, and pass-catching ability made him an appealing modern three-down option. Over four seasons at Penn State, he compiled 3,461 rushing yards, 987 receiving yards, and 54 total touchdowns-numbers that put him among the most productive backs in program history.
Interestingly, his final season showed efficiency over volume. Despite career lows in carries (123) and rushing yards (549), Singleton posted a career-best 13 rushing touchdowns, highlighting his red-zone effectiveness and nose for the end zone.
He also drew All-American consideration for the 2025-26 season alongside other notable prospects such as Fernando Mendoza and Trinidad Chambliss, underscoring how highly he was regarded entering draft season.
Singleton recovery timeline and team evaluations
A fifth metatarsal fracture-often called a Jones fracture in sports medicine-can require a careful recovery timeline to avoid setbacks. The good news for Singleton is that surgery and modern rehab protocols typically allow athletes to return to full speed, but teams will monitor healing closely before clearing him for pro-day workouts.
NFL franchises frequently rely on medical rechecks and private workouts when top prospects miss the Combine. Singleton’s film, production profile, and athletic history will still carry weight in draft rooms. However, without fresh testing numbers, teams may need additional reassurance during the spring evaluation period.
For Singleton, the focus now shifts from showcasing talent to proving health. If his recovery stays on schedule, he could still participate in Penn State’s pro day or hold a private workout before the draft.
The injury is undeniably frustrating, but it does not erase years of high-level production. Instead, it adds a layer of medical evaluation to a player many scouts already believed had Sunday-ready traits.
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