Abdul Carter Injury: James Franklin gives key update on Penn State’s defensive end

Will Abdul Carter play against Notre Dame? James Franklin gives update on Penn State’s defensive end.

It’s still too early to say whether Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter will be able to participate when the sixth-seeded Nittany Lions (13-2) face off against seventh-seeded Notre Dame (13-1) in their College Football Playoff semifinal, but there is a sense of optimism among his teammates and coaches.

The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year sustained an unspecified upper-body injury during Penn State’s 31-14 victory over third-seeded Boise State in last week’s Fiesta Bowl, leaving his availability for Thursday’s Orange Bowl against the Fighting Irish in question.

 

“At this point, I don’t think there’s anything that is stopping him from playing,” Penn State coach James Franklin said Saturday. “But it’s just going to come down to how is he able to play? And we’ll see, but his mentality is great. He’s got a big smile on his face. He’s excited about this week. But it’s too early to say at this stage.”

The junior seemed to have a shoulder or arm injury in the first quarter against the Broncos. After leaving the game to spend some time in the sideline injury tent, Carter returned for a brief period before ultimately leaving the game for good in the second quarter.

Throughout his three-year career, Carter has never missed a game. He currently ranks second among all FBS players with 21.5 tackles for loss this season. Carter also leads Penn State with 11 sacks and is fourth on the team with 63 total tackles.

“His attitude is great,” Franklin said. “His mentality has been really good. We’ll see. But I think he’s taking the right approach and mentality, and really it’s going to come down to how he feels and how much practice he’s able to get during the week.”

Although Carter and fellow starting end Dani Dennis-Sutton have been key players in the front line throughout the season, Penn State has also had success with other contributors.

Amin Vanover and Smith Vilbert have been involved in the defensive end rotation all year, while freshman Max Granville has increased his playing time over the last four games.