A second exam using superior X-ray equipment determined that University of Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy didn't crack a bone in his throwing hand during the Under Armour Senior Bowl, the Tuscaloosa Newsreported Monday.
The injury, sustained Saturday, now is regarded as a deep contusion.
Even with the improved diagnosis, McElroy said he will not be able to throw at the NFL Scouting Combine in late February. He doesn't expect surgery to be necessary.
"It was an ancient X-ray machine (in Mobile at the Senior Bowl). The development wasn't real clear," McElroy told the Tuscaloosa News. "They diagnosed it as an actual crack Saturday night after the game. You could see what they were talking about on the X-ray, but after getting an additional image today, it was much more clear. It doesn't show anything abnormal as far as cracks or breaks."
McElroy, who led Alabama to the BCS national title in the 2009 season, hit his hand on a helmet as he followed through on a fourth-quarter pass to South Alabama's Courtney Smith. McElroy fininshed the series but said he "had no feeling" in his hand.
McElroy hopes to be healthy enough to throw at Alabama's Pro Day, an on-campus workout for NFL prospects.
"Getting healthy is my first priority, but having a good Pro Day showing, or whatever private workouts I will have to do, will help me show these guys I can play at the next level," McElroy said. "I just want to be able to do it at 100 percent."
