Penn State's Abdul Carter Won't Work Out at NFL Combine Amid Shoulder Injury Recovery

NFL scouts will have to wait a bit longer before they get to see Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter in action ahead of the 2025 draft.

Carter’s agents told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the potential No. 1 pick will not work out at the NFL Scouting Combine this week because he has not fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered in the College Football Playoff against Boise State. Carter was only recently cleared to resume training, and he’s expected to be ready to participate in Penn State’s pro day on March 28.

“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,” Carter’s agent Drew Rosenhaus told Schefter.

In addition to Monday’s announcement, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that Carter is sending a letter to NFL teams from Dr. Dan Cooper, who examined his shoulder earlier this month. The letter confirms that Carter has been cleared to resume training and will be cleared for his pro day.

Earlier on Monday, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah released his latest prospect rankings ahead of the scouting combine, and Carter maintained his position in the top spot. The star edge-rusher is considered a can’t-miss prospect, so his decision not to work out at the combine likely won’t affect his status as the potential top pick in this year’s draft.

The Tennessee Titans own the No. 1 pick and will have a tough choice between Carter, two-way phenom Travis Hunter and quarterback prospects Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Once Carter is fully healthy, he will have the chance to separate himself from the pack with his pro-day performance next month.