Giants Rookie Abdul Carter Benched Again Amid Disciplinary Concerns
It’s been a rocky start to Abdul Carter’s NFL career, and Monday night added another wrinkle to the story.
The New York Giants rookie defensive end was once again held out of the team’s opening defensive drive - this time against the New England Patriots. It marked at least the second time this season Carter has found himself on the bench to start a game, raising questions about what’s going on behind the scenes.
Earlier in the year, Carter was benched for the opening series against the Green Bay Packers. Reports at the time pointed to a missed walk-through, allegedly because the rookie fell asleep - not exactly the kind of impression you want to leave as a first-year player trying to earn the trust of a veteran locker room.
This latest benching came without an official explanation from the team, but that didn’t stop the internet from running wild with speculation. A viral post on social media claimed Carter was being disciplined for watching adult content during a team meeting - supposedly after his headphones disconnected. The post, which originated from a parody account, gained traction quickly once fans noticed Carter didn’t take the field on the opening drive.
The tweet blew up, racking up millions of views and sparking a wave of reactions ranging from disbelief to humor. Some fans initially thought it was satire - and to be clear, it was - but the timing of the post, which came hours before the game, only fueled the fire.
Now, let’s be clear: there’s no official confirmation linking Carter’s benching to anything off the field, let alone the viral rumor. But when a player is benched multiple times in a single season - especially a rookie trying to carve out a role - it’s fair to wonder what’s going on internally.
Carter came into the league with plenty of upside, known for his burst off the edge and high motor at the collegiate level. But talent alone doesn’t guarantee snaps in the NFL - especially under a coaching staff that’s clearly not afraid to send a message.
Whether it’s minor discipline or something more, the Giants need Carter to stay locked in if he’s going to be part of their long-term plans on defense. The potential is there, but consistency - both on and off the field - is what turns potential into production.
For now, Carter’s situation remains one to watch.