Giants Rookie Abdul Carter Benched for Opening Series Due to Mid-Week Mistake

New York Giants first-round pick Abdul Carter was benched for the opening defensive series of Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers due to a mid-week incident. Interim head coach Mike Kafka confirmed it was a "coach's decision" and kept further details in-house, though Carter admitted making a "mistake during the week that was detrimental to the team." Expected to start in place of the injured Kayvon Thibodeaux, Carter did not play any of the first six defensive snaps. After the initial series, he played the remaining 45 defensive snaps, recording one tackle, one quarterback hit, and two quarterback hurries, with Kafka praising his effort. Veteran teammates Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence confirmed the matter was handled professionally. Carter, drafted third overall out of Penn State, has had a limited impact in his first season, with just 0.5 sacks.