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Abdul Carter injury update: Star Penn State DE available for Orange Bowl vs. Notre Dame

IMG_7504by:Jack Soble•about 14 hours•

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Linebacker Abdul Carter. (Credit: Steve Manuel | Blue White Illustrated)

Star Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter is available for the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Thamel said Carter will play situationally and be at “about 85 percent.”

Carter was a true game-time decision, per to his NIL agent, Drew Rosenhaus. The junior exited Penn State’s win over Boise State on Dec. 31 in the Fiesta Bowl with a shoulder injury.

“He has a legitimate shoulder injury,” Rosenhaus said Thursday afternoon on the Pat McAfee Show. “Franklin came out and said, ‘Hey, it’s a game-time decision.’ It really is.”

Carter’s absence/presence is massive for the Nittany Lions, because he brings the ability to make game-changing plays on a moment’s notice. In a game that may come down to a key turnover or two, he gives Penn State the ability to create them.

Franklin said Wednesday morning at his joint press conference with Irish head coach Marcus Freeman that Carter was indeed a game-time decision, but that he expected him to play in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

“We anticipate Abdul playing,” Franklin said. “Abdul has approached this the right way. He wants to play. He’s put a ton of cryptic messages on social media, which you guys have probably seen those. I learn as much from those as I do from our trainers.

“We are hopeful and expecting Abdul to play. We’ll see how that plays out.”

Carter leads Penn State with 22 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks. The 6-foot-3, 252-pound edge rusher is projected to be one of the first 10 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. He can win with speed and strength alike, and as Rosenhaus detailed, his motor is out of this world.

During Penn State’s CFP first-round win over SMU, Carter had 2 tackles for loss and a sack against the Mustangs. He left the Fiesta Bowl in the first half and did not return to the game, which the Nittany Lions won 31-14.

“If this guy can play, physically, if there’s a chance, he will do it,” Rosenhaus said. “I’ve been an NFL agent for 36 years. This is absolutely one of the toughest human beings I’ve ever been affiliated with. Just watch the guy play. He plays so hard every snap. If he can go, he’ll go.”

Notre Dame takes on Penn State at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The winner will advance to the national championship on Jan. 20 in Atlanta.

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