Penn State edge Abdul Carter has been rising up draft boards in recent weeks. He is viewed as one of the most likely candidates to be the first pick by the Tennessee Titans. If the Titans choose not to take a quarterback, most draft experts believe they will select Abdul Carter. However, that could change with the news late on Wednesday night that Carter had a stress reaction in his right foot that could require surgery.
Abdul Carter Might Need Surgery After a Stress Reaction in His Foot
Late on Wednesday night, insider Adam Schefter reported that potential No. 1 pick Abdul Carter might need to undergo surgery after a stress reaction in his foot.
“Tests today revealed that potential No. 1 pick Abdul Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, and the Penn State standout will need to decide soon whether to have surgery, sources told ESPN. ‘There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,’ Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Wednesday night in Indianapolis, site of the NFL’s annual scouting combine.”
Tests today revealed that potential No. 1 pick Abdul Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot and the Penn State standout will need to decide soon whether to have surgery, sources told ESPN.
“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out… pic.twitter.com/9nyRyjFxlG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2025
Schefter followed up, reporting that Carter and his family spent the day consulting with doctors. A decision will likely be made this week.
“Abdul Carter, his family, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey spent Wednesday consulting with doctors to gather more information. A decision about what to 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.’”
Abdul Carter, his family, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey spent Wednesday consulting with doctors to gather more information. A decision about what to do is expected this week, Rosenhaus said.
“Either way, worst case scnario, we don’t expect this to impact where he is… https://t.co/Wv38vzx9nE— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2025
A few hours later on Thursday morning, Schefter had more information to report on the Abdul Carter situation. He reported that after further scans, surgery is not an advisable option for Carter.
“Doctors told Penn State defensive end and projected No. 1 pick Abdul Carter that, after further scans on his right foot, surgery is not advisable. Carter will work out at his March 28 pro day at Penn State. ‘I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted,’ Carter’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said today. ‘He will put on a show at his pro day.’”
Doctors told Penn St. DE and projected No. 1 pick Abdul Carter that, after further scans on his right foot, surgery is not advisable. Carter will work out at his March 28 pro day at Penn State.
“I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted,”… pic.twitter.com/pHTkIzDcWM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2025
While Carter does not need surgery, it is unclear whether this will impact his draft stock at all. Carter was not a unanimous first overall pick with players like Travis Hunter, Cam Ward, and Shedeur Sanders available. So, it is possible that the Titans will choose to go with a different selection after this news. Furthermore, Carter will not be able to participate at the NFL Combine.