Darryl SlaterTue, December 2, 2025 at 4:55 AM UTC·2 min readUPDATE: Abdul Carter wound up being benched for Monday night’s first quarter in New England. He missed the Patriots’ first two possessions and then was on the field for their third, to open the second quarter. He concluded that drive by picking up his first full NFL sack.
Carter’s benching stemmed from him showing up late to a team meeting (yet again), according to On3.com.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWas Abdul Carter just benched again for disciplinary reasons?
It sure seems like it.
Even with Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux injured and sidelined for Monday night’s game at the Patriots, Carter did not start at the spot opposite Brian Burns.
Carter spent the game’s entire opening drive on the sideline, with Chauncey Golston starting opposite Burns.
Carter missed that opening possession because of a “coach’s decision,” according to the ESPN broadcast of the game.
This is a troubling development for Carter, this year’s No. 3 overall draft pick. The Giants had high hopes for him entering 2025. But he has failed to live up to those, largely due to his own unforced, immature mistakes.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt’s unclear what exactly caused this week’s opening drive benching of Carter. But “coach’s decision” is never good.
The Patriots led 10-0 (thanks to a field goal and a punt return touchdown) when they trotted out for their second possession. And once again, Carter was not on the field.
Two games ago, during a home loss to the Packers, Carter was benched for just the opening drive. The reason: He reportedly slept through a walk-through practice. Carter denied being asleep but acknowledged missing the practice.
Carter took accountability for his mistake and had no apparent issues leading up to last week’s loss at the Lions, which dropped the Giants to 2-10. But now, he has been benched again. Which is a big issue.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMonday marks the Giants’ third game under interim head coach Mike Kafka. He replaced Brian Daboll, who was fired. Daboll reportedly let Carter’s tardiness — an ongoing issue — slide without obvious discipline.
On the field, Carter has managed just half a sack through his first 12 games — not the sort of production the Giants envisioned from him.
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