Giants Rookie Defender Benched for "Detrimental" Mistake, Vows to Keep Playing

On November 17, 2025, the New York Giants faced off against the Green Bay Packers, and rookie defensive end Abdul Carter found himself in an unexpected situation. Carter, who was expected to start in place of the injured Kayvon Thibodeaux, did not play any of the six plays on the Packers' opening drive. Instead, Tomon Fox took the field for the first six defensive snaps before the Packers punted.

Interim head coach Mike Kafka labeled Carter's absence a "coach's decision," revealing that Carter had made "a mistake during the week that was detrimental to the team." Carter acknowledged the incident, saying, "I made a mistake during the week that was detrimental to the team. That was the consequence of it. Got to live with it."

Despite the disciplinary action, Kafka expressed his admiration for Carter, stating, "I love Abdul and what he brings to this team. The skillset he has, this guy loves ball. I'm excited to watch him attack this week of practice and continue to work and grow and be the great player that I think he is."

Carter, the third overall pick in this year's draft, has had a limited impact so far, with just 0.5 sacks in his rookie season. However, he did not view the incident as a major lesson, saying, "I already know. Whatever I do is going to have consequences. That was the consequence. Have to live with it. Keep playing."

Veteran edge rusher Brian Burns, who spoke with Carter about the incident, echoed Kafka's sentiments, saying, "It's just professional though. There isn't too much to be said. It ain't no big meeting or anything like that. It's just between him and Kafka and it got handled. ... It happened. It's over."

As the Giants (2-9) continue to struggle, the focus now shifts to how Carter and the rest of the team will respond in the coming weeks.