As the Penn State Nittany Lions gear up for the College Football Playoff Semifinals against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Thursday, one pressing question looms over the team: Will superstar linebacker Abdul Carter take the field?
What Is the Latest Abdul Carter Injury Update?
Carter has been the heart and soul of the Nittany Lions’ defense this season. He is a dominant star who has consistently delivered.
With 11 sacks to his name in 2024, his impact is obvious. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been a cornerstone of Penn State’s success, and his absence would leave a significant impact on the team.
Head Coach James Franklin addressed Carter’s status during a media session on Saturday, offering some insight but leaving the ultimate decision up in the air.
“He’s doing great. His attitude is great. His mentality has been really good. You know, we’ll see. But I think he’s taken the right approach and mentality, and really, it’s going to come down to how he feels and how much practice he’s able to get during the week.”
“At this point, I don’t think there’s anything that is stopping him from playing,” Franklin continued. “But it’s just — it’s going to come down to, you know, how is he able to play.”
“We’ll see. We’ll see. But his mentality is great. He’s got a big smile on his face. I think he’s excited about this week. But it’s too early to say at this stage, and as you guys know, I don’t usually talk about these things a whole lot.”
“I get where we are at. This is an important piece in the storyline. But Abdul is going about things the right way, and we’ll see how this thing plays out.”
While Carter’s attitude and approach appear on point, the final decision will hinge on his physical readiness and ability to practice effectively in the next few days. His potential absence puts pressure on the rest of the Penn State defense to step up.
The Orange Bowl is a massive stage, and the Nittany Lions will need all the help they can get to secure a victory against an opponent like Notre Dame.
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As the week progresses, all eyes will be on Carter and his recovery. While we’re still unsure whether he will play on Thursday, one thing is clear: His presence—or absence—could be the determining factor in the outcome of the Orange Bowl.
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