Abdul Carter injury: What happened to the Penn State DE?

The Penn State Nittany Lions have been doing a great job in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals during the Fiesta Bowl as they are cruising against the Boise State Broncos. However, the injury bug seemed to bite them as junior defensive end Abdul Carter suffered an injury during the second quarter of the game.

Carter appeared to have suffered a left arm or shoulder injury and was forced to miss the remainder of the drive as he was being treated in the medical tent on the sideline. He would return to the game in the subsequent drive but then would once again leave the game. Carter would be on the sideline without his helmet and be seen pedaling on the stationary bike but did not return to the game.

After Penn State beat Boise State 31-14, Abdul Carter raised the Fiesta Bowl trophy with his right arm.

No official injury diagnosis has been reported but it will be interesting to see his availability as the Nittany Lions prepare for their next opponent in the College Football Playoff.

What round will Abdul Carter be selected in the 2025 NFL draft?

Abdul Carter has not made an official announcement on whether he will be returning to the Penn State Nittany Lions for the 2025 college football season or will forego his senior eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL draft.

But he is currently projected to be a top-five pick. ESPN's latest mock draft has him going No. 4 to the Carolina Panthers.

Abdul Carter has had an outstanding season as he has posted 63 total tackles (40 solo, 23 assisted) with 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three pass deflections. He has shown the ability to play with NFL-like quickness off the snap and does not take additional time to get around the edge.

Standing at 6-foot-3, 359 pounds, he is a massive body that can get to the quarterback and limit the amount of outside runs on his side of the field.

Playing at a prestigious program like Penn State, he has had the spotlight on his performance and is arguably the top draft-eligible defensive end who is available.

It will not be surprising to see Abdul Carter be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft as defensive end is considered a premium position by NFL general managers and decision-makers.