Giants' Carter coy on MNF benching: 'Shit happens'

New York Giants rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter wouldn't give a specific reason as to why he was benched on Monday Night Football for the second time in three weeks.

"Shit happens," Carter told reporters after New York's 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "I'm not going to get into details. Shit happens."

Carter missed the first two drives on defense. New England was already up 17-0 by the time the third overall pick saw the field. He ultimately played 45 snaps, posting four tackles and one sack, his first full sack of the 2025 campaign.

Head coach Mike Kafka also wouldn't go into detail about why he benched Carter, calling it "my decision." Carter was benched on Nov. 16 versus the Green Bay Packers after missing a walkthrough leading up to the contest. The Giants reportedly believed he was asleep during practice, but Carter was adamant he was getting treatment.

"I have to be better. I have to take pride in what I do, be where I have to be at. Simple as that," Carter added.

"I let my team down. First two drives, I was out. They scored 17 points. I take responsibility for that. I have to do better."

The Penn State product has played 72.2% of New York's defensive snaps this year. He has 31 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks through 13 contests.