Aug 31, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrates after a defensive stop during the fourth quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
During the first quarter of Penn State Football’s 31-14 win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, star edge rusher Abdul Carter sustained a shoulder injury. This injury left Carter out for the remainder of the game against Boise State. After a week and change of cryptic tweets and much speculation, Carter played in the Orange Bowl.
The Philadelphia native impacted the Orange Bowl immensely. Carter put on one of the most impressive performances in Penn State Football history, given he was battling through a severe shoulder injury.
Carter notched five tackles and a sack against Notre Dame in that epic Orange Bowl battle.
Where do things stand with Abdul Carter now?
After not working out at the NFL draft combine, speculation began to swirl about Carter’s injury. This speculation only worsened at Penn State‘s pro day. Carter elected not to work out there either due to a foot injury. Obviously, these possible injuries could hamper Carter’s draft stock.
According to NFL Insider and Reporter Matt Lombardo, teams aren’t overly worried about any injury concerns when it comes to how they’re viewing Carter three weeks out from the draft.
“One source said there are “Zero concerns,” Lombardo writes for Between The Hashmarks. “Another added, “None whatsoever that I’ve heard from the Titans or the Browns.”
As Carter looks to secure a top-three draft pick. Given that these injury concerns seem to be a nonfactor for the teams who could potentially draft Carter, that should only boost his already high chances to go within the top three.
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Abdul Carter’s Ideal NFL Draft Fit
There has been a lot of steam about Carter possibly going number 2 overall to the Browns. That seems like a good landing spot for Carter.
Pairing Myles Garrett and Carter could be a deadly combo. However, Carter is clear. He wants to be taken first overall. With the NFL Draft only 20 days away Penn State fans should feel good about Abdul Carter’s draft stock.
MORE Penn State Football News from NittanyCentral:
- Abdul Carter’s Three Best NFL Draft Fits, Most Likely Destination
- The Case for Abdul Carter as The No. 1 Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
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Ian Purdy covers Penn State Football Recruiting for NittanyCentral.
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
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