New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter was benched for the opening defensive series Sunday after missing a recent walk-through while asleep at the team facility, according to a source who spoke to ESPN. The third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft did not play during the opening series of the Giants\' home loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Carter took accountability after the game for the incident, which occurred during the week. He acknowledged he must accept the consequences for his actions.
Carter responded Monday to a social media post sharing The Athletic\'s report on the walk-through. He denied sleeping through the session and claimed he was doing recovery work.
\"Was not sleep, actually doing recovery,\" Carter posted. \"Nonetheless that\'s on ME!\"
Carter later posted on X: \"When the hate don\'t work they start telling lies!\"
Being late to meetings has been a trend for Carter during his rookie season under former coach Brian Daboll, according to The Athletic. Daboll was fired last week and replaced by Mike Kafka, who decided the appropriate punishment was benching Carter for the opening series.
Former practice squad player Tomon Fox started in Carter\'s place. Carter was expected to start at linebacker with Kayvon Thibodeaux injured.
Carter recorded one tackle, one quarterback hit and two pressures in 45 snaps Sunday after the discipline. He played every snap the rest of the way following his benching.
The Penn State product has just 0.5 sacks in his first 11 career games. He has had multiple sacks negated by penalties during his rookie campaign.
The Giants lost their fifth straight game Sunday to fall to 2-9. New York plays at the Detroit Lions in Week 12.