Penn State’s Abdul Carter is widely viewed as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, a recent medical evaluation during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis revealed a stress reaction in his right foot, which could complicate his stock.

Tests conducted at the combine this week showed that Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, according to ESPN. Initially, surgery was not ruled out, but further scans indicate that surgery is not advisable. Adam Schefter reported that Carter will work out at his March 28 Pro Day at Penn State.

Despite the injury, sources close to the player remain optimistic. CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson stated that two league sources are “not worried” about Carter’s injury. Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, expressed similar sentiments.

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I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted. He will put on a show at his Pro Day.
– Drew Rosenhaus to ESPN

On Thursday, Carter shared a post on social media featuring Darth Vader in a bacta tank, a mythical healing tank from the Star Wars universe. This was widely interpreted as a signal that he is recovering well.

In other news, a 2025 NFL mock draft positions Carter as the number one overall pick, despite his foot injury. The draft also highlights the addition of Jayden Daniels, a new weapon in the pass game. This mock draft underscores the confidence in Carter’s abilities, despite his current injury concerns, reflecting the consensus among experts of his enduring talent and determination.

2025 NFL mock draft: Abdul Carter goes No. 1 despite foot injury, Jayden Daniels gets a new weapon in the pass game. – Josh Edwards

2025 NFL mock draft: Abdul Carter goes No. 1 despite foot injury; Jayden Daniels gets a new weapon in the pass game

Carter’s impressive college career, in which he was a 2024 unanimous All-American as a junior for the Nittany Lions, has established his reputation. He led the FBS in tackles for loss with 24, recorded the third-most pressures (66), and the seventh-most sacks (12). Carter is currently ranked second in CBS Sports’ prospect rankings, behind only Travis Hunter of Colorado.

Carter was already planning to skip workouts at the combine because of the shoulder injury he suffered in Penn State’s Fiesta Bowl win over Boise State and played through the injury during Penn State’s loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Adhering to this stringent schedule may allow him to prepare well for his Pro Day workout.

In a recent interview with reporters on Wednesday, before the news of the foot issue surfaced, Carter expressed his confidence in being the top pick in the draft. Speaking with journalists, he stated

“I feel like I’m the best player in the country, and the best player should be selected No. 1.”
– Carter in a recent interview on CBS Sports HQ