Top NFL Draft prospect suffers serious injury that could crater his stock moving forward

It’s a really frustrating injury.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (DL02) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

One of the more intriguing prospects in the NFL Draft is none other than Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks.

After a very impressive Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, Banks was rising as a prospect due to his unique size and athleticism combination. It’s a really impressive profile at 6-6 and 327 pounds, including his pass rush potential at that size.

Caleb Banks suffers broken foot

Unfortunately, Banks has suffered another injury, as The Athletic’s Dane Brugler reported that he suffered a broken foot during a workout before his workout at the NFL Scouting Combine.

This is a really frustrating thing for both Banks and teams that want to select him, especially in the first round of April’s NFL Draft. He didn’t work out after running the 40-yard dash due to what was described as “discomfort” with his cleats.

This injury also says a lot about his durability. It’s not the first time that Banks has been hurt with a foot injury. He suffered a foot injury during fall camp, missed the first two games, and then broke his foot in his first game of the season against the LSU Tigers.

Ultimately, Banks chose to return in Week 13 against the Tennessee Volunteers and played the final two games. His decision to play in the final two games was surprising considering the landscape of today’s game, and he thought it was important to play with his brothers.

“I really wasn’t thinking about that at the moment,” Banks said. “I’m still not currently thinking about that. I’m grounded where I’m at right now. So, just being out there with my brothers, I think that’s the most important thing. If I’m able to play, then I’m gonna go play. I’m not gonna just sit down and not go out there and fight with them, regardless of the situation of what’s going on.”

We are working to confirm that it’s the same foot Banks suffered the injury to during the season.

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