Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter will not work out at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday. Carter, who has a chance to become the Nittany Lions’ first No. 1 overall selection since Courtney Brown in 2000, has not fully recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained in the College Football Playoff, according to Schefter.
“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,” one of Carter’s agents, Drew Rosenhaus, told Schefter. Despite sitting out drills, Carter will still participate in physical exams and interviews with teams and the media this week.
Penn State’s Pro Day is scheduled for March 28 in Holuba Hall.
Carter originally injured his shoulder against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. He was sidelined for most of the second half of that game, but opted to play in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame in the next round. According to Schefter, Rosenhaus is sending a letter from Dr. Dan Cooper to all NFL teams notifying them that Carter has just now been cleared to train.
Carter was named a consensus All-American and the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year in his first year since transitioning to linebacker to defensive end. Despite his impending lack of participation, Carter presumes to be a hot topic in Indianapolis this week as head coaches and general managers address the press.
The Tennessee Titans currently possess the top pick in the draft, and could look Carter’s way if they ultimately decide against selecting a quarterback. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Carter led the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss this past season and finished second in the Big Ten with 12 sacks.
Carter is one of five Penn State players who were invited to the Scouting Combine, along with tight end Tyler Warren, linebacker Kobe King and defensive backs Kevin Winston Jr. and Jaylen Reed. King is scheduled to participate at 3 p.m. on Thursday in Lucas Oil Stadium, while Warren and Winston will take their turns at 3 p.m. Friday.
