Abdul Carter injury update: James Franklin reveals status for College Football Playoff semifinal vs. Notre Dame

After suffering an injury in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State, the status of Penn State star edge rusher Abdul Carter has been in some doubt. Now, Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin has shared with reporters that he anticipates Abdul Carter playing in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame.

Ultimately, Franklin shared that Carter is still considered a game-time decision. However, it’s a positive update for the Nittany Lions as they look ahead to a difficult matchup.

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“Yeah, I was gonna ask you guys there’s a couple questions about the health of the Notre Dame team,” James Franklin initially joked while pointing to Marcus Freeman. I was hoping you guys would ask more questions so we can figure some of that stuff out. We anticipate Abdul playing, He’s doing everything he possibly can to play. His approach has been awesome. He’s live in the training room, but it’ll be a game-time decision. And we’ll see.”

Abdul Carter has been a massive force for the Nittany Lions’ defense this season. He has 63 total tackles, including 22 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks this season alone. That has made the future first round NFL Draft pick a game wrecker who also opens up opportunities for other Penn State defenders.

“Just like the guys we’re looking at on the Notre Dame roster, and are concerned about their impact on the game, Abdul’s one of those guys as well. So, I get the question and I understand where it’s coming from but Abdul’s approached this the right way. He wants to play. He’s put a ton of like cryptic messages out on social media, which you guys have probably seen those. I learn as much from those as I do from our trainers,” Franklin said. “But we are hopeful and expecting Abdul to play and we’ll see how that plays out.

The Orange Bowl is doubling as a College Football Playoff semifinal game. It’s a game where Carter’s health has the potential to be a game changer. In fact, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum recently shared that he thinks that Carter is the x-factor for Penn State.

“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.”

Notre Dame enters the Orange Bowl 30th nationally in sacks allowed, giving up 1.29 sacks per game. However, the expectation is that the Irish are going to look to run the ball downhill at the Nittany Lions. With the 11th-ranked rushing offense in the country, averaging 217.5 yards per game, Notre Dame is going to make this a physical game with all hands on deck to stop the run.

Notre Dame and Penn State will play in the Orange Bowl at 7:30 p.m. EST on January 9th. The winner will advance to play for a national championship.