Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Abdul Carter Injury Update – Will the Penn State DE work out at the NFL Combine 2025?

Abdul Carter skips NFL Combine, eyes Pro Day return.

Penn State’s Abdul Carter, one of the best defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, won’t be working out at the NFL Scouting Combine. His agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, confirmed that Carter is still recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in the College Football Playoff against Boise State.

Even with the injury, Carter played in the semifinal against Notre Dame. His absence from the combine isn’t ideal, but it won’t shake his standing as one of the top defenders in this class. The guy dominated college football. He finished the season with 68 tackles, an FBS-leading 23.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He also transitioned from linebacker to defensive end and made it look effortless.

He’s not dodging the spotlight entirely, though. Carter will still attend the combine for team interviews, but scouts will have to wait until Penn State’s Pro Day on March 28 to see him in action.

Abdul Carter has been medically cleared, and Penn State’s Pro Day will be his stage

Carter’s camp made sure NFL teams knew he’s on track. Rosenhaus sent a letter from Dallas Cowboys team doctor Dr. Dan Cooper confirming that Carter has been medically cleared to resume training.

Penn St. DE and potential No. 1 pick Abdul Carter will not work out at the combine because he has not fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered vs. Boise State, according to his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. Carter played through the injury vs. Notre Dame in… pic.twitter.com/SJlgCMKqxl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2025

“We fully expect Abdul to be recovered in time to work out at his pro day at Penn State and he will perform at a very high level,” Rosenhaus told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Carter skipping the combine means teams will be watching his Pro Day like a hawk. He’s expected to go in the top 10, but his draft stock is climbing. BetMGM now has him with the second-best odds to go No. 1 overall, right behind Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

Tennessee Titans hold the No. 1 pick, and Abdul Carter is still in the conversation

The Tennessee Titans control the draft board, and Carter remains a serious option. Alongside Carter, names like Colorado’s Travis Hunter and quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are being considered for the top spot.

Skipping the combine might have mattered for another player, but not for Carter. His film is undeniable. His transition from linebacker to defensive end made him even more valuable. He’s explosive, disruptive, and a nightmare for opposing offenses. Penn State’s Pro Day will be his chance to solidify that.

Image: Imagn Images

Abdul Carter

Natasha Bose

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