Carter, the Big Ten’s reigning defensive player of the year, exited the Fiesta Bowl in the first half with an apparent left shoulder injury.

As Penn State prepares for a College Football Playoff semifinal matchup with Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl this week, the biggest question for the Nittany Lions may be centered on the status of star edge rusher Abdul Carter.

Carter’s status remains to be determined after he left the Fiesta Bowl in the second quarter with an injury and did not return.