New Orleans Saints starting cornerback Paulson Adebo suffered a brutal leg injury in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. Safety Jordan Howden tackled Broncos running back Javonte Williams, and they collided with Adebo right on his upper leg when he crashed in to assist with the tackle.

Adebo was clearly in pain after the play and unable to get up. The medical staff brought a cart out for the cornerback, and he was fitted with a vacuum splint to stabilize his leg.

Rookie corner Kool-Aid McKinstry stepped in to substitute Adebo. He and Alontae Taylor will split time on the outside opposite Marshon Lattimore. McKinstry started against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 when Lattimore was out with injury. Taylor played outside when they were in base defense, and slid into the slot in nickel defense.

This looks like a season ending injury. What it does is give the Saints a chance to get an evaluation of the rookie. McKinstry seemed like a pick who would contribute more in his second year.

That timeline has been pushed up. The injury is a tough blow for Adebo. He was entering a contract year.

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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints starting cornerback carted off the field vs. Broncos