One day after tests revealed a stress reaction in the Penn State edge rusher’s right foot, the latest reports indicate that Carter will bypass the surgery. Instead, he will prepare for his pro day in Happy Valley in late March.
According to ESPN, Carter consulted with doctors about the decision after receiving the test results late Wednesday night. They indicated to the potential No. 1 overall pick that surgery, which would have inserted a screw in Carter’s right foot and required an eight-week recovery, was ‘not advisable.’
Carter did not plan to participate in on-field drills at the NFL combine this week, and the latest news about his injury will not change that fact. Instead, he will continue to prepare for Penn State’s pro day, which he will participate in on March 28.
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Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN, ‘I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted. He will put on a show at his pro day.
‘After visiting with teams this week, I believe he’s going to be the No. 1 overall pick.’
The Penn State standout is among the top prospects in a 2025 NFL draft class that boasts a ton of talent on the defensive line. Carter will be a contender for the top selection in April, alongside top quarterbacks Cam Ward (Miami) and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado).
The 2025 NFL draft will begin with its first round on Thursday, April 24.
What is Abdul Carter’s injury?
Tests at the NFL combine Wednesday revealed a stress reaction in Carter’s right foot.
Multiple reports indicated that Carter had the choice of undergoing surgery – which would include inserting a screw in his foot and an eight-week recovery – or opting out of it to continue preparing for his pro day. On Thursday, several news outlets reported that, after consulting with doctors, Carter will choose to forgo the surgery.
NFL Network reported that the Penn State edge rusher hasn’t experienced any pain from the injury, and the expectation is that he’ll be a full go for the pro day late next month.
When is Penn State’s pro day?
ESPN reported that Penn State’s pro day will take place Friday, March 28. Carter will participate in the on-field drills during the pro day after not testing at the NFL combine in Indianapolis this week.
Why isn’t Abdul Carter at the NFL combine?
Carter chose not to participate in the on-field drills at this year’s NFL combine since he hasn’t yet recovered from a separate injury to his shoulder he suffered against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31.
According to ESPN, the defensive end ‘only recently was cleared to resume training.’ Carter always expected to be able to work out at his pro day in Happy Valley at the end of March, and neither his shoulder injury nor foot injury appears to have affected that outlook, at least as of the time of writing.
