Abdul Carter Addresses Bench Report After Sleeping Through Giants Walk-Through
The New York Giants faced the Green Bay Packers on Sunday and lost 27-20. This game marked a significant moment for the franchise following the dismissal of former head coach Brian Daboll. Mike Kafka stepped in as interim head coach for this matchup.
Abdul Carter’s Bench Report
During the game, rookie linebacker Abdul Carter notably missed the team’s first defensive series. Although he participated in every play after that, finishing with one tackle and one quarterback hit, the reason for his initial absence raised eyebrows.
- Carter, selected fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, was benched for the opening series.
- He reportedly missed a team walk-through, as confirmed by various sources.
- Carter later stated on social media that he was doing recovery, not asleep, but accepted responsibility for missing the session.
Reasons for the Absence
According to reports from The Athletic’s Dan Duggan, Carter had fallen asleep in the team facility during the walk-through. It was noted that tardiness had been an ongoing issue for him, although former coach Daboll tended to overlook it.
Mike Kafka, despite Carter’s mishap, praised his performance in the game, stating, “[Carter] played his butt off.” Kafka expressed optimism about Carter’s development as a professional, highlighting his efforts during practice and the game.
Carter’s Performance Overview
| Stat Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 1 |
| Quarterback Hits | 1 |
| Defensive Snap Percentage | 70% |
| Combined Tackles (Season) | 23 |
| Sacks | 0.5 |
Despite his promising college career at Penn State, Carter’s transition to the NFL has faced challenges. Competing with established players like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux has limited his playing time this season.
Looking Ahead
Carter will have another opportunity to showcase his abilities this Sunday against the Detroit Lions. As he continues to develop, all eyes will be on his ability to overcome these early setbacks and contribute more significantly to the Giants’ defense.
