Abdul Carter, a potential No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft, could be looking at surgery to deal with a stress reaction discovered in his right foot.
Tests Wednesday revealed the issue, and Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he will decide soon if he will undergo surgery.
“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,” Rosenhaus told Schefter of the ex-Penn State pass rusher on Wednesday night.
Carter is expected to make the decision this week and Rosenhaus insisted that the issue wouldn’t hinder his draft prospects.
“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 Penn State standout huddled with his family and agents, Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, on Wednesday, conferring with medical professionals over the issues.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, stress reactions “are like deep bone bruises. If something keeps putting pressure on that same spot before the stress reaction can heal, your bone can crack and create a stress fracture.”
Carter is now weighing having pre-emptive surgery that would include having a screw inserted into the foot.
Under that scenario, Carter would return in roughly eight weeks.
In a second option, Carter would forgo surgery and show NFL clubs during his pro day that he doesn’t need the procedure.
Carter is among the names that could be called with the No. 1 overall pick on April 24 when the draft takes place in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter and Miami QB Cam Ward have all been mentioned as potential No. 1 picks when the Titans step up to the podium.
Carter made his pitch to be the first overall pick on Wednesday in Indianapolis at the NFL combine.
“I feel like I’m the best player in the country,” Carter said. “And the best player should be selected No. 1.”
“Defensive players impact the game just as much as a quarterback,” Carter later said. “Myself and all the best defensive players in the country need to start speaking out about that more because we’re just as important to the game as the best quarterbacks.”
