Abdul Carter injury update: James Franklin offers latest on Penn State star for Orange Bowl vs. Notre Dame

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter has been questionable to play in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame due to a shoulder injury. Ahead of the game, Penn State head coach James Franklin provided an update on his star pass rusher’s condition.

“It’s been great. It’ll be a game-time decision,” Franklin said. “We’ll see how we looks when he comes out here but all indications that he’s given me, based on a week of prep, have been positive.”

Carter’s presence would be a massive addition for the Nittany Lions. He boasts 63 tackles, along with a team-high 11 sacks. Carter’s 11 sacks are also tied for the seventh-most in the country this season.

James Franklin isn’t the first person who has seemingly been optimistic about Carter’s game status this week. Earlier today, Carter’s NIL representative, Drew Rosenhaus, provided a positive update on Carter’s recovery.

“This guy is a warrior, he loves his coaches and his team, he would fight to win the championship no matter how much was at risk,” Rosenhaus said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “I was at the last game where he hurt his shoulder and the guy went out there and tried to play with one arm. If he can play tonight, he will.

“There is no discussion about don’t put out bad tape, no thought about risk of injury. He’s going to give it his all for Penn State, his teammates deserve that, that’s who he is, that’s how he was raised by his parents, and that’s what makes him great.”

If Carter is able to play, he may have a field day against Notre Dame’s offensive line, which is far from infallible. The Fighting Irish have allowed 18 sacks this season, ranking 30th in the country. They have given up four total sacks during their two games in the College Football Playoff.

Simply put, Carter’s game status may be the difference between a win and a loss for Penn State on Thursday evening. In fact, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum referred to the junior standout as the “key” for the Nittany Lions.

“It’s Abdul Carter and he is such an outstanding player but he has been injured,” Finebaum said. “He suffered an arm injury against Boise State and they need him desperately in this game. James Franklin did not really address the issue. He will be the key tomorrow night.”

The Nittany Lions and Fighting Irish will square off 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday. The game will air live on ESPN.