Abdul Carter Has Stress Reaction in Foot; Injury Not Expected to Require Surgery

Abdul Carter, one of the candidates to go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL draft, is dealing with a new injury concern.

Drew Rosenhaus, Carter's agent, told ESPN's Adam Schefter the Penn State star was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right foot.

"There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future," Rosenhaus said on Wednesday night.

Schefter reported Thursday that doctors informed Carter surgery "is not advisable" after reviewing new scans.

"I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted," Rosenhaus told Schefter. “He will put on a show at his pro day."

The agent noted surgery would have required Carter to have a screw inserted into the foot that would allow him to start working out and running in roughly eight weeks.

If Carter opts against surgery, he could take part in Penn State's pro day scheduled for March 28 in an attempt to show teams that he doesn't need a procedure done.

The draft is exactly eight weeks away, meaning Carter would be unable to take part in any predraft activities if he had surgery. His representatives already announced he wouldn't take part in workouts at the scouting combine because a shoulder injury he suffered in the College Football Playoff has not fully healed.

According Rosenhaus, the expectation is the foot injury won't impact Carter's draft position.

"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 foot injury was discovered during medical testing at the combine.

Carter has frequently been mentioned as a candidate for the Tennessee Titans with the top pick in the draft. B/R's NFL scouting department projected him to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2 overall in its most recent mock draft from Feb. 10.

Given the depth of defensive line talent in the 2025 draft, there are some teams that could alter their board over the next two months if they have concerns about Carter's durability.

The 21-year-old Carter had a breakout 2024 season with the Nittany Lions. He led all FBS players with 24 tackles for loss and ranked seventh with 12 sacks in 16 games.