Penn State Football, Abdul Carter Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) is sacked by Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images)

“The Right Approach” Latest Abdul Carter Injury Update Encouraging for Penn State Football

Originally posted on Nittany Central | By Robert Shields | Last updated Jan 5, 2025 12:50 PM ET

Perhaps the biggest key for Penn State Football in Thursday night’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl, defensively, hinges on All-American edge rusher Abdul Carter’s injured arm.

Carter is the unquestioned leader of the Nittany Lions‘ defense and a force multiplier for defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s unit.

However, Carter’s availability against the Fighting Irish remains to be seen, after he was knocked from Penn State’s Fiesta Bowl victory over Boise State with an arm injury.

“I think he’s taken the right approach and mentality,” Penn State head coach James Franklin told reporters Saturday, of Carter’s injury. “And really, it’s going to come down to how he feels and how much practice he’s able to get during the week.”

Franklin stopped short, though, of making any sort of declaration about Carter’s availability against Notre Dame but struck an encouraging note about where things currently stand.

“At this point,” Franklin said. “I don’t think there’s anything that is stopping him from playing, but it’s just going to come down to how he is able to play, and we’ll see.”

Obviously, having Carter on the field would be a huge boost for Penn State, especially against the Irish’s run-oriented offense. Carter has produced 63 total tackles this season, including setting career-highs with 11 sacks and 22 tackles for loss through the Nittany Lions’ first 15 games of the season.

Carter will have the opportunity to practice Monday and Tuesday this week to see if he’s able to suit up Thursday night for the Nittany Lions’ bid for an appearance in the National Championship Game.

This article first appeared on Nittany Central and was syndicated with permission.

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