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NFL Draft prospect Abdul Carter has been dealt a worrying injury blow.
The Penn State powerhouse was projected to be a No. 1 overall pick in April.
Abdul Carter missed the Scouting Combine with a stress fracture in his foot[/caption]
The Penn State defensive end is a projected No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft[/caption]
But he missed the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana this week.
His agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed that defensive end Carter has a stress fracture in his foot.
And the 21-year-old is faced with a dilemma ahead of the draft.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Carter has two options.
The first is to have surgery, which would involve a screw being inserted into his right foot.
That would allow him to be running again in approximately eight weeks.
The other option is to skip the surgery and conduct his pro day at Penn State on March 28 as normal.
That would be an opportunity for Carter to convince teams who might be worried about his health.
Agent Rosenhaus was adamant that the injury would not impact Carter’s stock ahead of the NFL Draft.
“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,” Rosenhaus said.
“Either way, worst-case scenario, we don’t expect this to impact where he is drafted.
“After visiting with teams this week, I believe he’s going to be the No. 1 overall pick.”
Carter also spoke at the Scouting Combine this week despite not working out.
“I feel like I’m the best player in the country and the best player should be picked first,” he said.
“It’s the work I put in with my dad, who trained me, and all the sacrifices I made, I know I’m the best.”
The Scouting Combine usually takes place a couple weeks after the Super Bowl.
It provides an opportunity for NFL hopefuls to showcase their talent.
Coaches, scouts and executives from all the teams gather in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The NFL Draft will be held at the end of April.
Green Bay, Wisconsin, is the host city for the 2025 edition from April 24-26.
