Giants Rookie Abdul Carter Benched After Missing Walk-Thru Due to Oversleeping
New York Giants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter was held out of the opening series of Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers after he overslept and missed a team walk-through, a source confirmed to ESPN. The incident led to immediate disciplinary action from the coaching staff.
Carter, the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, took responsibility for the missed practice following the Giants’ loss. However, he later disputed reports that he was asleep, claiming on social media he was “doing recovery.” The benching comes amid a challenging rookie season for Carter, who has recorded just 0.5 sacks in 11 games despite multiple negated by penalties.
The linebacker initially acknowledged accountability for the incident, stating he had to “accept the consequences for his actions.” He then responded to a report by The Athletic on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Was not sleep, actually doing recovery. Nonetheless that’s on ME!” He followed up with a post stating, “When the hate don’t work they start telling lies!”
Giants’ interim head coach Mike Kafka, who replaced Brian Daboll last week, made the decision to bench Carter for the opening series. Tomon Fox, a former practice squad player, started in Carter’s place. Carter played the remainder of the game, recording one tackle, one quarterback hit, and two pressures in 45 snaps.
The Athletic reported that Carter has been consistently late to meetings throughout his rookie season. The Giants (2-9) are currently on a five-game losing streak and will face the Detroit Lions in Week 12.
