Abdul Carter injury update: James Franklin on status of Penn State DE after Fiesta Bowl

Abdul Carter may be down, but he isn't out.

Penn State's first team All-Big Ten defensive lineman went out in the first half of the Fiesta Bowl with an apparent right arm injury and did not return to the game against Boise State, causing some consternation for the Nittany Lions despite a decisive 31-14 win over the Broncos.

As Penn State waits to see whether it will play Notre Dame or Georgia in the Orange Bowl for a chance at the College Football Playoff championship game, it got some heartening news on New Year's Day. James Franklin, appearing on "College GameDay," said Carter may still yet play in the Orange Bowl despite his injury (and the implicit investment in his sizable draft stock).

REQUIRED READING: Abdul Carter injury update: Penn State football star leaves CFP Fiesta Bowl vs Boise State

Immediately after the game, he iterated Carter's desire to play.

“With Abdul, I don’t know a whole lot,” Franklin told reporters in postgame, per The Daily Centre Times. “We’ll get that checked out and see. Obviously, No. 1, the safety and health and welfare of our guys is priority No. 1. But then, I know Abdul will want to play next week and he’ll do everything in his power to play next week, if he’s able to. We’ll find out more. I don’t have a whole lot more information than that.”

Franklin reiterated such on "College GameDay" Wednesday morning.

Abdul Carter injury update

In spite of Carter's desire to play in the Orange Bowl, it will come down to availability rather than willingness.

"Abdul is going to do everything in his power to try to get back," Franklin said Wednesday. "If he's able to go I know he'll go. So we'll get him checked out and make sure it's OK. I just saw him walking for breakfast and he looks great, his attitude is great. But we just don't have that kind of information for you right now. ... A little extra time helps too as you know."

Carter logged 11 sacks and 63 tackles in 2024, and is No. 2 on Mel Kiper's latest 2025 NFL draft big board. Carter clearly has nothing to prove to NFL scouts, but with Penn State looking for its third national championship and first since 1986, the superstar clearly wants to be involved.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Abdul Carter injury update: James Franklin on status of Penn State DE