Abdul Carter: Everything you need to know

Carter concluded his rookie campaign with 43 tackles, including 4.0 sacks, along with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries across 17 contests. Carter was selected third overall in last April's NFL Draft, so expectations were naturally quite high for him coming into the season. The Penn State product was credited with a half-sack in his regular-season debut but then went 11 weeks without getting back into the sacks column. Fellow edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux missed the final seven games of the season due to a shoulder injury, and that seemed to open things up for Carter, who tallied 3.5 sacks over New York's final five contests. Part of the reason for the surge may have been interim head coach Mike Kafka taking over and holding Carter more accountable, benching the rookie for parts of games as a consequence for tardiness and absences from team activities. If Carter is able to put those issues behind him and build upon his strong finish, he could be poised for a breakout next season.

Carter (illness) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys. The 2025 first-round pick from Penn State upgraded from DNPs on Wednesday and Thursday to a limited practice Friday, suggesting he's moved past his illness in time to play in Sunday's season finale. Carter has started to heat up over the Giants' last four games, recording 16 total tackles, including 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles during that span. Now fully healthy, he's expected to operate as one of New York's top outside linebackers in the Week 18 divisional matchup.

Carter (illness) won't practice Thursday, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports. The 21-year-old has now opened the Giants' week of practice with consecutive DNPs due to an illness. Carter likely needs to practice in some capacity Friday in order to suit up for the Week 18 matchup against the Cowboys. If he's sidelined Sunday, expect Chauncey Golston to have an expanded role in the Giants' linebacker corps.