Penn State edge Abdul Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, tests revealed Wednesday night at the NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per Carter's agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Carter, who is a potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, could have surgery to fix the issue, Rapoport added.
"There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future," Rosenhaus said Wednesday.
According to Carter's representation, the Penn State product has two options.
First, he could have the pre-emptive surgery and have a screw inserted in his right foot. The expected time for recovery would be eight weeks, per Rosenhaus.
The second option is for Carter to bypass the surgery and work out in front of scouts at Penn State's pro day on March 28. This decision would prove to NFL teams that he doesn't need the surgery.
Carter, his family, agents Robert Bailey and Rosenhaus spent Wednesday consulting with doctors to gather more information. A decision about what Carter will do is expected this week, Rosenhaus said.
"Either way, worst case scenario, 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."
The news of Carter is unfortunate after the Penn State defender told reporters on Wednesday morning that he wanted to be the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft.
Carter recorded 68 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2024 for the Nittany Lions.
