Why Giants Abdul Carter didnt play opening drive vs. Patriots

Published: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 1:38 am

Giants Rookie Abdul Carter Benched in Week 13 Opener

Foxborough, MA - The New York Giants faced the New England Patriots in a Week 13 matchup, but were without the services of rookie linebacker Abdul Carter during the opening drive. The reason for Carter's absence was confirmed as a "coach's decision," according to reports.

This marks the second instance in three weeks where Carter has been held out of the starting lineup. Previously, he missed the opening defensive series of a Week 11 game against the Green Bay Packers.

These developments raise questions about Carter's standing within the team. The former Penn State Nittany Lions standout, drafted third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, has yet to fully live up to the expectations that accompanied his arrival.

Statistically, Carter's performance has been mixed. He entered the Patriots game with only 0.5 sacks. However, Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks him 25th out of 112 players at his position with a 75.0 pass rush grade. His run defense grade from PFF is less impressive, ranking 105th out of 112 players at 47.1.

The Giants organization has yet to release a statement regarding the specific reasons behind the coach's decision to bench Carter. The situation highlights the challenges faced by young players adjusting to the professional level and the importance of consistent performance to earn and maintain playing time.

BNN's Perspective: While it's concerning to see a high draft pick sidelined, the Giants are likely prioritizing team discipline and performance. Carter's development is crucial, and these decisions, though potentially frustrating for fans, could be part of a larger plan to help him reach his full potential. The Giants will need to carefully manage Carter's development to ensure he becomes a valuable asset to the team.

Keywords: Abdul Carter, Giants, Patriots, NFL, coach's decision, benching, rookie, linebacker, Week 13, disciplinary, pass rush, run defense, draft pick, football

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