Source: Abdul Carter asleep during Giants’ walk-through

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Abdul Carter was benched for the New York Giants’ series opener on Sunday because the rookie was sleeping at the team facility and missed a recent visit, a source told ESPN.

Carter did not play on the first defensive series in the Giants’ home loss to the Green Bay Packers. The linebacker took responsibility after the game for the incident during the week and said he had to accept the consequences of his actions.

On Monday, Carter responded to a social media post sharing The Athletic’s report on the walkthrough. He denied sleeping during this period.

“I wasn’t sleeping, I was recovering,” Carter posted. “But it’s my fault!”

Carter later posted to X: “When hate doesn’t work, they start lying!”

When hatred doesn’t work, they start lying!

-Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) November 17, 2025

Carter had one tackle, one quarterback hit and two pressures in 45 snaps Sunday following discipline. He played every snap until the end after he had to start in place of the injured Kayvon Thibodeaux. Former practice squad player Tomon Fox started in his place.

It’s been a tough rookie season for Carter, the No. 3 selection in this year’s NFL Draft. He has just 0.5 sacks through his first 11 career games, although he has had several sacks negated by penalties.

The Athletic added that being late to meetings was a trend for Carter during his rookie season under Brian Daboll. But Daboll was fired last week and replaced by Mike Kafka, who decided the right punishment was to keep Carter sidelined for the opening series.

The Giants (2-9), who lost their fifth straight game Sunday, will play on the road against the Detroit Lions in Week 12.