New York Giants’ Abdul Carter Sits Out Again Due to Tardiness
New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka benched linebacker Abdul Carter for the first quarter during the team’s 33-15 defeat to the New England Patriots on Monday, December 1, due to Carter being late for a team event.
When questioned regarding his second disciplinary action in three weeks, Carter, 22, told reporters, “S*** happens. I’m not going to get into details. S*** happens.”
This benching follows Kafka’s decision two weeks prior to sit Carter for the opening drive of the Giants’ 27-20 home loss to the Green Bay Packers after he missed a pregame walkthrough.
“I made a mistake during the week that was detrimental to the team,” Carter said at that time, per ESPN. “That was the consequence of it. Got to live with it.”
After Monday’s game, Kafka reiterated that the decision to bench Carter was entirely his. “Listen, when he came back in the game, you saw the kind of impact he had and the player this guy is,” Kafka remarked. “This is a kid that I, again, I back. I support this kid highly. For any young player that we have on the roster, whether it’s Abdul or any rookie, we’re going to make sure to guide them and continue their development because they are important to us. They’re important to me.”
Carter, a rookie from Penn State and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was named a unanimous All-American in his senior year. While he has adapted well on the field, he acknowledged that off-field responsibilities have posed some challenges.
“I’m not going to use that as an excuse,” stated Carter, who has recorded 31 tackles this season. “As I said, I need to improve. I must take pride in my responsibilities and be where I need to be. It’s as simple as that.”
Jason Kelce did not hold back his thoughts regarding a NFL player spitting at a rival. Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter spat on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the NFL opener on Thursday, September 4, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Carter’s actions, which took place […]
On Monday, Carter missed the Patriots’ first three drives, entering the game only when the Giants were already down 17-0.
“I let my team down [Monday night],” Carter acknowledged. “I take responsibility for that. I have to do better.”
With Carter starting the game on the bench, his teammates had to take on more responsibility. Sixth-year nose tackle Dexter Lawrence described the rookie’s tardiness as “frustrating.”
“But we need to guide [young players], and help them learn from these mistakes,” said Lawrence, 28. “We’ve all made them. We’ve all been late. We all have had moments like that. You just have to learn from them.”
“Hardheaded, man. Hardheaded,” Lawrence remarked about his teammate. “I don’t know. To his defense, the schedule is a bit tricky. But you have to be a professional and know where you need to be and when.”
Giants’ defensive captain Brian Burns expressed his belief that Carter has learned from this experience. “I think it got through,” he said. “I believe it was just an honest mistake.”
The Giants currently hold a 2-11 record this season and have been eliminated from playoff contention with four games remaining. During their bye week, New York will return to action on December 14 at home against the Washington Commanders.
