As the lights inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis grow brighter, heading into day two of workouts at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the pressure mounts for many underrated prospects looking to prove themselves as valuable contributors in the eyes of professional franchises. For some, the week is about chasing first-round buzz. For others, it's about reclaiming momentum.
In the case of Alabama football TE Josh Cuevas, he falls into the latter category after an injury derailed the senior-year production he had once envisioned for himself to catapult him to the next level. This is why, despite being one of the Crimson Tide's most reliable pass catchers on offense last fall, he still arrives in front of all 32 teams looking not to just put up a decent 40-yard dash time or to test well, but to remind evaluators who he was trending to become before his setback.
The 6-foot-3, 256-pound California native made this apparent when answering questions from reporters on Thursday about the partially fractured foot he suffered during practice late in the second half of Alabama's 2025 regular season, which sidelined Cuevas for three games, including the Iron Bowl vs Auburn and the SEC title game against Georgia.Â
"It was devastating," Cuevas admitted. "You kind of go into your senior year having all these goals and aspirations for yourself, and reaching a certain yardage, a certain amount of catches, touchdowns, and things like that... As soon as there was a chance that it was non-surgical, and there was a chance I could come back and play if we made a deep run in the playoffs, we ran with that chance. It was emotional at first, just because I felt like I had so much more left in the tank, and for the state of Alabama and the school, the University. But once I found that glimpse of hope, like we just completely ran with it."
A healthy Josh Cuevas is looking to open eyes at the NFL Combine
Cuevas was definitely on pace to solidify himself as one of the better, well-rounded players at his position before he went down. This was certain, seeing him have the best season of his 5-year collegiate career, reeling in 37 receptions, 411 yards, and four touchdowns, while averaging 11.1 yards per catch through 10 games.
He stayed resilient through this setback, toughing it out to return for Alabama in their first round playoff matchup against Oklahoma, picking up where he left off to rack up 35 yards on three passes as the Tide overcame a 17-point deficit against the Sooners en route to advancing to the Rose Bowl.
 Despite looking like his old self that December night in Norman, alongside opening eyes earlier this month at the Reese Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, Cuevas was still asked if he had any lingering concerns or effects since avoiding surgery and successfully returning in the brief window of time that he did.
"It hasn't affected me much," Cuevas said. "You just kind of make them (NFL franchises) aware that this is what's happening... You just kind of reassure them, like you're gonna do everything in the Combine, and you have no limitations, no hindrances, kind of going into this week, and that just kind of makes me feel better."
In my estimation, after hearing Cuevas' response, it wasn't just about his health; it was about his perception. Because, at this stage of the Draft process, transparency can matter as much as production. By choosing rehab over surgery and returning the way he did, he bet on himself. Now, on day 2 in Indy, he's doubling down on that bet. For prospects on the fringe of day 2 and day 3 draft status, who aren't locks to be first rounders, reassurance isn't optional — it's essential.
Cuevas knows the medical reporters will be dissected by all 32 franchises. What he can control is how he performs and how he presents himself this afternoon. Working out and putting forth a solid effort today among his peers in his position group gives him that opportunity. If he truly shows "no limitations, no hindrances" as he put it, then the conversation shifts away from what happened to what's next as the ball rolls closer towards March and April — giving him the best chance to boost his draft stock and to wipe away any doubt that his brief setback won't define the potential of his professional career on Sundays.
With that dynamic being considered, this should give Alabama fans even more reason to have their eyes glued to their TV screens, rooting for Cuevas as he takes the field today in drills, with the combine welcoming defensive backs and tight ends this afternoon at 3PM - 8PM, CT on NFL Network.