Abdul Carter injury update: Troubling news emerges on projected top 5 pick, NFL combine status revealed

Abdul Carter, the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will not work out this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Carter, the former Penn State pass rusher, has not fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered in the Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl vs. Boise State, his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN‘s Adam Schefter. He played through the injury in the College Football Playoff Semifinal against Notre Dame but was only recently cleared to resume training.

While Carter won’t work out at the Combine, he will partake in physical exams and interviews with teams. Schefter added that Rosenhaus is sending a letter Monday to all 32 teams from Dr. Dan Cooper, “stating that Carter has just now been cleared to resume training and will be cleared for his March 28 pro day.” Cooper examined his shoulder earlier this month in Dallas.

“We fully expect Abdul to be recovered in time to work out at his pro day at Penn State. And he will perform at a very high level,” Rosenhaus told Schefter.

Abdul Carter sitting at top of NFL Draft big board for ESPN analyst

Carter, who just turned 21 last month, is the top edge rusher in this year’s class. He appeared in 42 games over the last three seasons with the Nittany Lions, compiling 23.0 sacks, 172 tackles (104 solo), 41 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. Carter had a breakout campaign in 2024 after making the transition from linebacker to defensive end. He tallied 12.0 sacks and a nation-leading 24 tackles for loss.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Carter is the No. 1 overall player on ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller‘s big board.

“He has speed and burst off the snap. But he also has the power to move offensive tackles off their spots,” Miller wrote. “And he’s still learning how to be a full-time pass rusher, so there’s upside. … Teams in the top five would be wise to consider him regardless of need.”