New York Giants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter started Monday night’s game against the New England Patriots on the bench — the second time in three weeks he’s been held out to open a game. New York fell behind 17–0 before head coach Mike Kafka put him in. Earlier in Week 11, Carter admitted he made a mistake “detrimental to the team,” but this time he offered little explanation, saying only “s—t happens.”
Kafka also declined to give specifics, stressing repeatedly that the benching was his decision and not a reflection of any personal issue with Carter. He acknowledged Carter was likely unhappy but said he believed it was the best move for the team.
Once Carter entered the game, he recorded four tackles and was credited with a sack on a Drake Maye scramble. The Giants hope this latest disciplinary message resonates with their first-round pick moving forward.