Penn State Star Running Back Nicholas Singleton Suffers Significant Pre-Draft Injury
Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton has encountered a major setback just months before the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Nittany Lions standout sustained a fracture to the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot during practice sessions for the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. This injury, commonly referred to in sports medicine as a Jones fracture, was confirmed by his father and represents a critical blow during a pivotal period for draft prospects.
Senior Bowl Practice Incident Leads to Surgery and Recovery Timeline
Singleton reportedly suffered the injury while participating in drills ahead of the Senior Bowl, one of the premier showcases for NFL hopefuls. The fracture necessitates surgical intervention, which is scheduled to take place in Alabama. Consequently, the recovery process will prevent him from participating in on-field athletic testing at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.
Although Singleton plans to attend the Combine, his involvement will be restricted to:
- Interviews with team representatives
- Comprehensive medical evaluations
- Meetings with NFL franchises
This limitation denies him the opportunity to demonstrate his speed, burst, and agility in front of scouts during one of the most intensely scrutinized events of the pre-draft calendar.
Impact on Draft Stock and Evaluation Process
Prior to this injury, Singleton was widely regarded as one of the top running back prospects for the 2026 draft class. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had ranked him among the elite backs available, with many projections placing him as a potential Day 2 selection.
His collegiate career at Penn State was marked by impressive production:
- 3,461 rushing yards over four seasons
- 54 total touchdowns, including 45 on the ground
- 987 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility as a three-down back
While his final season saw reduced carries and rushing yards (549 yards), he achieved a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns, highlighting his red-zone efficiency and scoring instincts even when overall production dipped.
With the absence of Combine testing data, NFL teams will now need to rely more heavily on:
- Game film analysis from his Penn State career
- Detailed medical reports post-surgery
- Potential private workouts or Penn State's pro day if his rehabilitation progresses as planned
Future Outlook and Draft Considerations
The immediate focus shifts from performance metrics to medical clearance and recovery progress. While missing Combine drills is undoubtedly a frustrating development for Singleton and his draft aspirations, his substantial collegiate résumé and proven athletic profile continue to provide a solid foundation for NFL teams evaluating his potential.
Teams interested in selecting him will need to weigh his injury history against his demonstrated capabilities on the field. If his rehabilitation proceeds smoothly, Singleton may still have opportunities to showcase his skills through controlled workouts before the draft in April.
This injury serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the pre-draft process and how quickly circumstances can change for even the most promising prospects.
