Penn State’s Abdul Carter starts in Orange Bowl despite shoulder injury

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) – Penn State’s All-America defense Abdul Carter took the field as a starter for Thursday night’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl, after days of speculation about whether he would be available.

Carter — the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year — was expected to be a game-time decision for sixth-seeded Nittany Lions (13-2).

Carter left Penn State’s 31-14 win over third-seeded Boise State in last week’s Fiesta Bowl with an undisclosed injury. Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN earlier Thursday that the issue is a “legitimate shoulder injury,” and Carter warmed up with his left shoulder appearing heavily packed.

“He’s one of the toughest people I’ve ever been associated with,” Rosenhaus said.

Carter leads Penn State with 11 sacks and is fourth among Nittany Lions players with 63 total tackles. Penn State coach James Franklin said Wednesday he expected Carter to be available for the game.

“His approach has been great,” Franklin said. “He’s been living in the training room.”

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