Rookie LB Abdul Carter delivers big pressure in short playing time
New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter, left, is blocked by Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Credit: AP/Adrian Kraus
ORCHARD PARK — Jaxson Dart wasn’t the Giants’ only first-round pick to impress Saturday. Abdul Carter got his first taste of NFL preseason action when he entered on third down on their first series against the Bills.
The rookie linebacker immediately brought pressure on Mitch Trubisky, even though Trubisky completed a 10-yard pass. On his second series, Carter stutter-stepped and rushed past Pro Bowl tackle Dion Dawkins to force Trubisky out of the pocket.
Carter played six snaps and rushed the passer three times. All three rushes led to a pressure or hurry, according to Pro Football Focus and NextGenStats.
“I had fun,” Carter said. “I wish I got to play more, but I’m just glad we got the win.”
Coach Brian Daboll said it was by design to limit Carter to six to 10 plays. But it was a decent enough start to show why Carter is highly thought of.
He used his speed to get by Dawkins after setting him up. However, Dawkins recovered to keep Carter from finishing the play with a sack. It was both an impressive move and learning moment for Carter, not that he dwelled much on it.
“We got the win. That’s all I’m worried about,” he said.
Banks plays the first half
Deonte Banks started the game at cornerback opposite Paulson Adebo with Cor’Dale Flott out. Banks ended up playing the entire first half, including reps with the second team.
It’s no secret he’s fighting with Flott for his job, and general manager Joe Schoen said on the NBC broadcast at halftime that it was important he played.
Banks had one glaring miscue when he nearly gave up a catch to Kristian Wilkerson because he didn’t turn his head to track the ball. Wilkerson made a one-handed grab, but it was ruled out of bounds. Still, the Giants want to see more from him and Flott before deciding who starts the season opener.
“Flott wasn’t here, but I thought D could use some work,” Daboll said. “So I played him as much as I wanted to play him.”
Notable absences
Flott, Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton were among the Giants who didn’t make the trip because of injuries. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo and right guard Evan Neal were out, as was defensive lineman Chauncey Golston, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and receivers Jalin Hyatt and Beaux Collins.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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