Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter will be a game-time decision, according to PSU coach James Franklin. Carter suffered an apparent left arm injury in the second quarter of the Fiesta Bowl against the Boise State Broncos and has not fully recovered.
Abdul Carter Will Be a Game-Time Decision for Penn State Nittany Lions
Call Franklin the eternal optimist. He is definitely looking at the glass as half full. He knows Carter is not at 100%, but he is fighting his way back from an arm injury. Franklin is still confident his star will play.
“He’s going everything he possibly can to play … but it will be a game-time decision,” Franklin said Wednesday morning at a coaches’ press conference. “We’ll see.”
James Franklin gives an update on star defensive end Abdul Carter, who is expected to be a game-time decision on Saturday night. “We anticipate Abdul playing. He’s doing everything he possibly can to play….but it’ll be a game-time decision. And we’ll see.” pic.twitter.com/9AVyonpW8W
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 8, 2025
Not having Carter in the starting lineup would be a big blow for a Penn State defense that has been one of the most dominant in college football this season. They ranked seventh nationally in points allowed per game.
The unanimous All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year leads the Nittany Lions with 22 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. He is a projected top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Carter’s injury, to either his left arm or shoulder, occurred in the second quarter of the Fiesta Bowl. He missed the remainder of the game. Notwithstanding his absence, Penn State’s defense limited the Broncos Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty to under four yards a carry.
“Abdul’s approached this the right way and wants to play,” Franklin said as he sat next to Notre Dame coach James Franklin in a press conference previewing the College Football Playoff semifinal showdown.
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Carter is a significant weapon off the edge opposing offenses must account for in pass protection. Carter combined for two tackles for loss in Penn State’s first-round playoff victory over SMU.
He left the Boise State game in the first half without registering a tackle. If he misses the game, it will be a big boost for an already stout Notre Dame front preparing for a strong vs. strong matchup.
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