Abdul Carter's Injury Status Updated by PSU HC: Nothing 'Stopping Him from Playing'

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter's return from an arm injury in the College Football Playoff semifinal isn't guaranteed, but head coach James Franklin was optimistic regarding his outlook.

"At this point, I don't think there's anything stopping him from playing, but it's going to come down to, how is he able to play?" Franklin said on Saturday, per ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. "We'll see. But his mentality is great. He's excited about this week, but it's too early to say at this stage."

Carter left during the first quarter of the Nittany Lions' 31-14 win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday and did not return to the game.

The pass-rusher previously hinted that he may be able to recover from the injury in time for the CFP semifinal with a Star Wars reference on social media.

Health issues have been almost nonexistent for Carter in the past, as he's never missed a game at Penn State since making his 2022 debut with the school.

The junior has developed into one of the nation's most imposing defensive ends in 2024, routinely wrecking opposing backfields. In 14 appearances he's racked up 63 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, three passes defensed and two forced fumbles.

Carter was a consensus All-American and the became the first Penn State player to win Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors since 2015.

He's considered the No. 10 overall player in the 2025 NFL draft class on the latest big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

His presence would provide a major boost to the Nittany Lions' defensive front during their upcoming clash with Notre Dame, as the Fighting Irish rank No. 4 in the country with a scoring average of 37.7 points per game.

Carter's status for Thursday's CFP clash is still up in the air, but Franklin provided a positive update on Saturday.