With the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, various NFL front office staff will be attending “pro days” which are scheduled at larger schools and specific regions, to get an even closer look at players who could be added to their roster through the draft, or free agency (should a player go undrafted).

Last year’s Washington Huskies defense was full of talented player who could be plying their craft in the pros as soon as this season. Naturally, with a number of potential players entering the NFL this year, the university hosted one of these pro days over the weekend, in order to showcase some of their studs.

One of those top prospects, CB Sidney Jones, had already done quite a bit to impress scouts. He was an instant starter as a freshman, starting 12 of 13 games with two interceptions and seven pass break-ups. As a sophomore, coaches named him first team all-conference, with his stats leading the the Pac-12, with 14 pass break-ups, four INT’s and forcing three fumbles. In 2016 Jones only knocked down six passes but had three picks, and was a first-team All-Pac 12 pick for the conference champions.

Coach Tomlin, and linebackers coach Joey Porter both attended Jones’ pro day at Washington over the weekend, and are on record as having spoke with the cornerback. A 6-foot-even 186 lbs., 4.47 40 hopeful, Jones is just what the Steelers look for in a corner, as we have seen with recent Steelers draft picks, CB Artie Burns (6’0″/193 lbs./4.42) and S Sean Davis (6’1″/201 lbs./4.44). Jones, Burns and Davis could all mirror each other pound-for-pound, literally. Mike Tomlin and company love versatility, as we saw with Burns and especially Davis (who played nickel corner and safety last season).

I could see Jones being an excellent compliment to this group for quite the young hat trick for the Steelers. His stock continues to rise, as he had a good showing at the Combine, with many projecting him to be a first round pick.

Unfortunately, Jones went down with an apparent leg injury, sustained on one of the final defensive back drills of the day. As he was beginning to make a break out of his backpedal, Jones immediately began favoring his left leg and fell to the ground. Jones began to grab at the underside of his leg after coming to a stop, as reported by ESPN.

He had to be carted off the field.

The Seattle Times later reported that Jones suffered a torn Achilles of his left leg. This type of injury can be worse than any of the knee injuries you hear about in the NFL, not only because of where it is, but because of the position he plays; having to jump up vertically, and land back down again.

An Achilles tendon injury can happen to anyone, whether you’re an athlete or just going about your everyday life. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. It stretches from the bones of your heel to your calf muscles. You can feel it — a springy band of tissue at the back of your ankle and above your heel, which lets you point your toes toward the floor. (Think about this as you picture what a CB does on the field).

Unfortunately, it’s pretty common for this tendon to get injured. Achilles tendon injuries are common in people who do things where you quickly speed up, slow down, or pivot; again a defensive back. If the tendon ruptures, the pain is instant and severe. The area may also feel tender, swollen, and stiff. It may feel like a burning pain or stiffness in that part of your leg.

When the Achilles tendon tears, you may hear a snapping or popping noise when it happens, and within an hour, could have bruising and swelling, too. If the tendon tears completely, pointing toes is not easy.

Based on the video of Jones’ workout, and the on field reporting, it appeared that he did rupture the tendon. The injury could be mild or moderate, but if it’s severe, it may mean that your Achilles tendon is partly torn or completely ruptured. This could lead to a longer recovery time.

What does this mean for Jones’ draft stock?

Jones was expected to go in the first round of the draft, possibly early, to a team like the New Orleans Saints (who have the 11th overall pick). This injury could push Jones’ selection to the later rounds; possibly into day two, and perhaps even lower.

It all depends on the severity of the injury, plus the treatment and recovery time.

Minor to moderate Achilles tendon injuries typically heal on their own with icing, compression, elevation, stretching and most-likely anti-inflammatory pain killers. However, if the tear is more severe, as expected here, there is potential for a cast to be placed for 6-to-10 weeks. Surgery may be required to repair the tendon or remove extra tissue.

If this is the case, it could be up to 5 months after this procedure, in which Jones could begin workouts to start the process of recovering. That would project the start of such process into mid-August, where he would miss most of, if not all of, training camp.

What teams would be up for waiting? Possibly those with a need at the position, as well as extra draft picks to burn. The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, for example, each have eleven picks in the upcoming draft. If they could be patient, they might spend one of those selections on a first round graded talent.

Traditionally the Steelers are not in that category, but they have had to deal with early season injuries from recent draft picks (albeit it, after the fact they were drafted). Artie Burns didn’t step onto the field until the fourth week of the preseason, while Bud Dupree sat out for the first ten games of the 2016 season.

Only time and need will tell what the Steelers will do here: but I am willing to bet if Sidney Jones is still on the board come round four, we could see him in a black and gold uniform this season.