James Franklin declined to definitively say on Saturday whether or not star Penn State football defensive end Abdul Carter would be healthy enough to play Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Thursday, January 9. Carter was injured against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday, December 31.

However, Franklin said Carter was approaching healing his injury in the right manner and that there wasn’t anything stopping the top-five NFL Draft prospect from making an appearance.

“He’s doing great. His attitude is great. His mentality is really good. We’ll see,” Franklin said. “But I think he’s taken the right approach and mentality, and it’s good. It’s going to come down to how he feels and how much practice he’s able to get during the week.

“At this point, I don’t think there’s anything that is stopping him from playing, but it’s going to come down to how is he able to play. We’ll see. But his mentality is great. Got a big smile on his face. I think he’s excited about this week, but it’s too early to say at this stage.”

Carter left the Fiesta Bowl in the second quarter with an apparent injury to his left arm. He returned to the sideline in the second half without his helmet and a black brace or cast around his arm. Carter finished the day without any registered stats.

“I don’t know a whole lot,” James Franklin said after the Fiesta Bowl 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.”

Since the Fiesta Bowl, Carter has taken on an internet persona as Darth Vader from Star Wars. He posted a picture of the Sith lord healing in a bacta tank to his social media pages and made his profile picture on Instagram Darth Vader.

Carter is Penn State’s best asset on the defensive line. He’s recorded 63 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles across his 14 games this season.