Xavier McKinney shares image of unsettling injury that happened before his time with the Packers
Life in the NFL is tough. On Thursday, safety Xavier McKinney went on social media to remember a tough chapter of his career. In 2022, the player broke three fingers. Gladly for him and for Green Bay Packers fans, it didn't preclude him from keeping the high level over the last couple of seasons. On […]
Life in the NFL is tough. On Thursday, safety Xavier McKinney went on social media to remember a tough chapter of his career. In 2022, the player broke three fingers. Gladly for him and for Green Bay Packers fans, it didn't preclude him from keeping the high level over the last couple of seasons.
On Instagram, McKinney posted images of his hand and X-rays after an injury he suffered in 2022. Initially, there was some fear among Packers fans it could be a recent problem, but it's not.
Great addition
Xavier McKinney had a fantastic first season with the Packers. He was named to the Pro Bowl and a First-Team All-Pro. He finished the year with eight interceptions—he had had nine in his four previous seasons combined. The defensive back also had a fumble recovery, 88 total tackles (including two for loss), a QB hit, and allowed a 78.5 passer rating when targeted.
McKinney was also impressively durable. In the regular season, he played 1,067 defensive snaps (98%), plus 162 special teams snaps (37%).
He was the big piece of a complete rebuild the Packers executed at the safety position. The team allowed Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, and Rudy Ford to walk in free agency, and ended up cutting Anthony Johnson Jr. and Benny Sapp III. On the other hand, Gutekunst signed McKinney, drafted Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, and Kitan Oladapo. The only holdover of 2023 in that room was special teamer Zayne Anderson.
The star safety signed a four-year, $67 million deal with the Packers back in March. He is still under contract through 2027.
Injury situation on the roster
The Green Bay Packers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles two weeks ago, ending their 2024 season. A few days later, general manager Brian Gutekunst said that no injury was expected to linger into the 2025 season, except for wide receiver Christian Watson and his torn ACL.
Packers’ Xavier McKinney receives another award, but Josh Jacobs has been snubbed this time around
Safety has had a fantastic first season with the Packers
