The New England Patriots would love to add a game-changing pass rusher like Abdul Carter. However, the chances of him falling to No. 4 may have just gone down.

But if it does happen, the Patriots should feel even better about landing arguably the most talented player in the 2025 NFL Draft.

That’s after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Penn State pass rusher got positive news on a potentially scary injury. According to Schefter, the stress fracture in Carter’s foot will not require surgery. The defensive end’s agent told ESPN that “it should be a non-factor” for teams.

It’s good news for Carter — and whichever team drafts him. Previously, it represented one of the few major concerns with the Penn State pass rusher. In a recent mock draft, The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner noted that foot injuries like Carter’s tend to be “very scary.”

Carter was already limited during the pre-draft process following a shoulder injury he sustained during the College Football Playoff. He was then diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot during medical checkups at the NFL Scouting Combine.

After a dominant run in the College Football Playoff, Carter cemented his status as one of this year’s top prospects. With Miami quarterback Cam Ward expected to go No. 1, Carter is projected to go somewhere between No. 2 and No. 4.

The Patriots are in the mix for Carter, who is reportedly set to visit Foxborough on a “30″ visit on Monday. He, along with Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter, represent two top-tier prospects who have a chance of dropping to No. 4.