There’s no such thing as a flawless NFL Draft prospect, but Penn State standout Abdul Carter comes close.
The defensive end wreaked havoc throughout his college career, but especially in 2024, as he surged up draft boards while leading the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff. As dominant as he’s been, Carter’s health has been one of the major talking points in the lead-up to this year’s draft.
Carter has dealt with multiple injury setbacks since late December, impacting his availability during Penn State’s postseason run and the pre-draft process. And while the recency of his injuries is somewhat of a red flag, his standing as a prospect should not be impacted too negatively.
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Here’s more on the injuries that Carter has dealt with, how they’ve impacted him, and what has been said about his availability moving forward.
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Abdul Carter injury timeline
Dec. 31, 2024: Carter exits Penn State’s CFP matchup with Boise State in the second quarter with an apparent left shoulder injury.
He emerged from the locker room at halftime wearing some form of cast on his arm and did not return to action. Notably, he made sure not to use his left arm when celebrating with the team and holding the Fiesta Bowl trophy.
Abdul Carter
It appears to have a suffered a left shoulder injury on this play.
While not clear, this is likely an AC sprain.
Hopefully it’s a type I, and he will be able to play in the next game.
He will be restricted but unlike a dislocated shoulder, an AC sprain is to… pic.twitter.com/wRNduJjA3R
— Jesse Morse, M.D. (@DrJesseMorse) January 4, 2025
Jan. 9, 2025: Carter plays in the CFP Semifinal against Notre Dame, registering five tackles, one sack and one pass deflection.
Penn State comes up short and is eliminated from national title contention, shifting focus to Carter’s future as an NFL Draft prospect.
Feb. 24, 2025: It is announced that Carter will not work out at the NFL Draft Combine due to the shoulder injury sustained in the CFP.
“We fully expect Abdul to be recovered in time to work out at his pro day at Penn State and he will perform at a very high level,” said Drew Rosenhaus, Carter’s agent.
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Feb. 26, 2025: Tests reveal that Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, but surgery is not decided upon.
“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,” Rosenhaus said at the combine.
Tests today revealed that potential No. 1 pick Abdul Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot and the Penn State standout will need to decide soon whether to have surgery, sources told ESPN.
“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out… pic.twitter.com/9nyRyjFxlG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2025
March 27, 2025: It is decided that Carter will not work out at Penn State’s Pro Day because of his shoulder rehab and residual effects of his foot injury.
Rosenhaus does not rule out Carter working out for NFL teams in April.
March 28, 2025: While he does not participate at Penn State’s Pro Day, Carter offers a confident proclamation:
“I’m pretty close to 100 percent. Closest I’ve been in a long time.”
April 10, 2025: A medical recheck in Indianapolis shows that Carter’s stress reaction is healing, and surgery will not be needed.
Rosenhaus says, “[The injury] should be a non-factor with the teams at this point.”
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