The Newcastle Knights forward sustained a fractured C4 and C5 vertebrae following a three-man tackle in an NRL match against Melbourne Storm in March.
McKinnon, who now uses a wheelchair, spoke to the media for the first time since the incident on Monday, answering questions at ANZ Stadium alongside coach Wayne Bennett.
The 22-year-old was transferred to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital after spending 24 days in intensive care, but left at the end of last month and will remain in a rehabilitation facility in Ryde for two months.
He revealed that he is making good progress with his rehabilitation and is eager to return home to Newcastle with his fiance, Teigan Power, as soon as possible.
"As much as I would love to get home and get back to my family and get back to Newcastle and get on with my life I want to walk again," he said.
"You see a lot of stories about people who get on with their lives and don't walk again. My focus is to get as much back of my movement as I can and I am slowly improving.
"For example when I first got diagnosed I was a C4, all that is shoulder movement. Nothing else. No fingers, no movement in your legs, or anything like that.
"I am slowly progressing with the movement, I am a C7 now."
McKinnon will be at Hunter Stadium on Sunday for the Knights' clash with Gold Coast Titans at the end of the 'Rise For Alex' round.
A capacity crowd is expected for Sunday's game and the NRL have vowed to donate $1 for every supporter to attend a game this weekend, with the funds going towards McKinnon's rehabilitation.