Nicholas Singleton Injury Update: Senior Bowl Setback and 2026 NFL Draft Impact

Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton, has hit a significant speed bump in his journey to the NFL. In what can only be described as a worst-case scenario for a prospect looking to boost his stock, Singleton suffered a broken foot during Senior Bowl practice in Mobile, Alabama.

Instead of showcasing his explosive power and contact balance against the nation’s top seniors, Singleton is now pivoting toward surgery and rehabilitation. For NFL evaluators and Nittany Lions fans alike, the focus has shifted from how fast Singleton can run the 40-yard dash to how quickly he can recover.

The Diagnosis: Broken Fifth Metatarsal

A fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot is a relatively common injury among skill-position players. Especially players who make sharp cuts and plant hard on the turf, but the timing couldn’t be worse.

Reports indicate the injury occurred during practice drills at Hancock Whitney Stadium. After leaving the field and undergoing an initial evaluation by trainers, Singleton did not return to on-field work. His father later confirmed the severity of the situation, noting that surgery is already on the books. Singleton is scheduled to undergo the procedure early next week, but its a major blow to his draft stock.

The Combine: From Showcase to Medical Check

Looking ahead, the injury significantly alters his status at the NFL Combine. There will be no 40-yard dash, no vertical jump, and no shuttle runs to showcase his athleticism. Instead, Singleton’s Combine experience will be defined by two things: interviews and medical exams.

Team doctors will be scrutinizing the X-rays and surgical reports from Andrews Sports Medicine. The “Jones fracture” (a common type of fifth metatarsal break) has a specific recovery timeline, and NFL teams are notoriously risk-averse when it comes to foot injuries in running backs. The interviews will also take center stage, as Singleton will need to convince general managers that his rehab plan is solid and that he will be ready for rookie minicamps or training camp.

Impact on Draft Stock

The million-dollar question is how this affects Singleton’s draft grade.

Historically, a clean break of the fifth metatarsal isn’t a career-ender, nor does it typically tank a prospect’s stock completely if the surgery goes well. However, availability is a skill. In a draft class deep with talent, a medical red flag can be the tiebreaker that causes a team to pass on a player in the second round for someone with a clean bill of health.

Singleton enters the draft process with a resume built on power and production at Penn State. Teams have years of film showing what he can do when healthy. The challenge now is that scouts have to rely entirely on that past production without the reassurance of recent athletic testing.

What’s Next for Nicholas Singleton?

The immediate future involves surgery and the beginning of a strict rehab protocol. Updates from his camp regarding the success of the surgery and the estimated recovery time will be the next major news cycle to watch.

If he can provide a clear timeline that has him ready for football activity by the summer, the long-term damage to his draft stock may be minimal. NFL teams are willing to wait for talent, but they need certainty. Singleton’s job now is to provide that certainty through his recovery process and he can continue to show he can translate from Penn State to NFL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific bone did Singleton break?
Singleton suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. This is the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe.

Will Nicholas Singleton still go to the NFL Combine?
Yes, he is expected to travel to Indianapolis for the Combine. However, his participation will be limited to team interviews and medical evaluations; he will not participate in physical drills or testing.

Where is he getting surgery?
He is scheduled for surgery at the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

A Minor Setback for a Major Talent

Injuries are an unfortunate reality of the sport, and while the timing is brutal, Singleton’s collegiate career speaks for itself. He remains one of the most intriguing running back prospects in the 2026 class. As he trades his cleats for a walking boot in the short term, NFL teams will be watching closely to see how he bounces back.