After leaving Penn State football’s Fiesta Bowl win over Boise State early on Tuesday night, defensive end Abdul Carter’s status is still up in the air for the Nittany Lions’ Orange Bowl matchup on January 9.

Carter left the game in the second quarter and returned to the sideline in the second half without his helmet and a black brace or cast around his left arm. Carter finished the day without any registered stats.

“I don’t know a whole lot,” James Franklin said postgame about Carter’s status. “We’ll get that checked out and see. And, obviously, the safety, and health, and welfare of our guys is priority No. 1. But then, I know Abdul will want to play next week and will do everything in his power to play next week if he’s able to.”

Carter is considered a top-five selection in the upcoming NFL Draft and is Penn State’s best asset on defense. He’s totaled 63 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles across his 14 games this season.

After Carter left the game, Amin Vanover saw more reps in his stead. Vanover finished the game with six tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack.