Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter diagnosed with stress reaction in right foot
Abdul Carter, Penn State’s standout edge rusher, has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right foot, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The projected top NFL Draft pick had already opted out of NFL Scouting Combine workouts due to a shoulder injury before this latest setback.
“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,” Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Wednesday night in Indianapolis, site of the NFL’s annual scouting combine.
Rosenhaus outlined two potential paths forward for Carter.
“Option 1 for Abdul Carter would be to have the pre-emptive surgery, have a screw inserted in his right foot, and be expected back in eight weeks,” Rosenhaus said, per Schefter. “Option 2 for Carter would be to bypass the surgery, conduct his pro day and prove to NFL teams that he doesn’t need it.”
The injury comes at a critical time with the 2025 NFL Draft scheduled for April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Despite the setback, Rosenhaus remains confident about Carter’s draft position.
“Either way, worst case scenario, we don’t expect this to impact where he is drafted,” Rosenhaus said. “After visiting with teams this week, I believe he’s going to be the No. 1 overall pick.”
Many scouts and mock drafts have projected Carter as the potential No. 1 selection ahead of quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.
The Tennessee Titans currently hold the first overall pick.
More information about Carter’s injury and treatment plan may emerge when the combine officially begins Thursday, with defensive linemen and linebackers scheduled to work out first.
