Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols (26) fumbs the ball being tackled by New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The New York Giants’ burgeoning pass rush received an unexpected red flag when Abdul Carter was placed on the team’s injury report with a calf issue that has seemingly cropped up out of nowhere.
“He’s doing very well,” Harbaugh said almost sarcastically before admitting that Carter would be listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 6 clash against the New Orleans Saints.
Carter has appeared in all 22 possible games for the Giants since being drafted No. 3 overall out of Penn State last year, but he has been playing his best football as of late. Over his last two games, he has a sack, eight tackles, and 12 quarterback pressures.
In five games this season, he has two sacks, which is already half of his total from last year.
The Giants’ pass rush is already without its leader, Brian Bruns, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL and meniscus in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans. Almost surprisingly, defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has ramped up the blitzing since losing Burns, and New York’s defense has been making game-breaking plays at a far higher clip.
Carter has played at an alarmingly high rate, though, as he has been on the field for 92.2% of New York’s defensive sacks this season.
Even with such a heavy workload, he has developed into one of the consistent pass rushers in the game. His 30.3% pass-rush win rate ranks second-best in the NFL amongst those who have played at least 115 defensive snaps. His 13 total pressures rank ninth.
If Carter is unable to go on Sunday against the Saints, Kayvon Thibodeaux is listed as the only other option behind him at strong side linebacker, meaning there is a chance the Giants would move him from his current position as starting edge rusher.
Jihad Ward, who was signed two weeks ago off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, is listed as Thibodeau’s backup.
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