DANIA BEACH, Fla. – Penn State expects All-America defensive back Abdul Carter to play against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Thursday, although coach James Franklin said Wednesday that it will will be a decision at game time.

Carter left last week’s Vrbo Fiesta Bowl in the first quarter against Boise State with an apparent left arm injury and did not return to the game. His status for Thursday has become a major source of intrigue, which Franklin admitted when asked about Carter.

“We expect Abdul to play,” Franklin said. “He’s doing everything he can to play. His approach was great. He lived in the training room. But it will be a decision during the game and we will see.”

Carter was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year after collecting 11 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries and 63 total tackles.

He has posted several messages on social media with clips from Star Wars, hinting at his possible return. In his final post on Monday, Carter posted “Revenge of the ST1X,” a reference to his number 11 jersey.

“Abdul approached the matter correctly. He wants to play,” Franklin said. “He spread a lot of cryptic messages on social media. I learn as much from it as I do from our coaches. But we are confident and expect Abdul to play and we will see how that plays out.”