Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Concerning Details About Abdul Carter Surface After Being Benched

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Dec 3, 2025 12:32 PM ET

The New York Giants have a legitimate problem on their hands with rookie pass rusher Abdul Carter.

On Monday night, Giants interim coach Mike Kafka benched Carter for the first quarter. It was the second time in the past three weeks that he's been disciplined by the coaching staff. The first-round pick from Penn State was benched for the opening drive against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 16.

Following the Giants' 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots, Carter had this to say about being disciplined: "I'm not going to get into details. S--- happens."

Carter added, "I have to take pride in what I do, be where I have to be at. Simple as that."

Oct 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) reacts after a play during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Time to panic?

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Giants have been dealing with Carter's tardiness all season. Apparently, former head coach Brian Daboll fined the No. 3 pick several times prior to being fired.

"The rookie pass rusher has had issues all year with being late and/or missing team obligations. Now fired coach Brian Daboll fined Carter for it on multiple occasions. Interim coach Mike Kafka has been heavier handed with it, with the most recent benching coming after Carter was also sat down for the start of the Giants’ Week 11 game against the Packers," Breer wrote. "Now, there’s nothing overly nefarious here. The Green Bay benching was triggered by Carter losing track of time—getting red-light therapy in the players lounge while the team started a walkthrough a few steps away on the practice field. Which might be excusable, if it didn’t keep happening. Leaders in that position group, captain Brian Burns primarily among them, have tried to get through to Carter. Coaches, obviously, have too."

To make matters worse, Carter hasn't lived up to the hype this season. He has 31 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 13 games.

There's plenty of time for Carter to get his career back on track. For now though, it's very clear he's got some growing up to do.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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