Abdul Carter Has Stress Reaction In Foot, May Have Surgery

Abdul Carter won’t participate at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, and it was assumed the blue-chip prospect was simply saving his energy for Penn State’s pro day. Instead, the projected first-overall pick may skip all workouts as he deals with a foot injury that could require surgery.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Carter underwent tests today that revealed a stress reaction in his right foot. The prospect is considering “pre-emptive surgery” that would result in a screw being inserted in the foot. That route would require about eight weeks of recovery, which at the very least would put Carter’s availability for the start of rookie minicamp in doubt.

Alternatively, Carter could skip the surgery. Schefter hints that the edge rusher could still participate at Penn State’s pro day later this week and “prove to NFL teams that he doesn’t need [surgery].” Carter, his family, and his agents consulted with doctors today to “gather more information,” and there’s an expectation that the player’s camp will make a decision later this week (per Schefter).

“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,” Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told Schefter.

Carter already entered the pre-draft process with an injury, as the defending Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was nursing a shoulder injury he suffered in Penn State’s playoff game versus Boise State. Carter recently stated that he’s back to around 90 percent health, and Rosenhaus recently sent a memo to NFL teams stating that the player has been cleared to resume training.

Even with the growing list of injury concerns, Carter isn’t expected to see a hit to his draft stock. Along with Travis Hunter, Carter was considered one of the draft’s two elite prospects, and teams will gamble on the pass-rushing upside despite any injury concerns. Rosenhaus said as much when speaking with reporters.

“Either way, worst case scnario, 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. “