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The New York Giants avoided what could have been a significant offseason setback after edge rusher Abdul Carter exited practice early Monday with an ankle injury.
Carter left the field during the opening day of mandatory minicamp after appearing to injure his ankle during a team period. Trainers examined him before he walked to the locker room and did not return for the remainder of practice.
Fortunately for the Giants, early indications suggest the injury is not expected to be serious.
Giants Downplay Carter Injury Concern
Head coach John Harbaugh offered an encouraging update following practice, indicating that Carter likely suffered a minor ankle twist.
“Looks like he twisted his ankle to some degree and doesn’t look serious,” Harbaugh told reporters afterward.
Even with the optimistic initial diagnosis, the Giants could choose to hold Carter out for the remainder of minicamp as a precaution. The team has little incentive to take risks with one of its most important young defenders this close to training camp.
New York selected Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and expects him to play a major role in the defense moving forward.
Big Expectations Entering Year Two
Carter’s rookie season featured both promise and inconsistency.
The former Penn State standout finished with four sacks while also dealing with disciplinary issues that resulted in multiple benchings after missed or late team meetings. Despite those setbacks, advanced metrics highlighted his disruptive potential.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Carter generated 72 quarterback pressures during his rookie campaign, ranking among the league’s most productive pass rushers in that category.
His strongest stretch came late in the season, when he became a larger part of the defensive rotation and flashed the playmaking ability that made him one of the draft’s most highly regarded prospects.
The Giants are counting on Carter to take a significant step forward in 2026 alongside veteran edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Cam Skattebo Makes Encouraging Return
While Carter’s injury created a brief scare, the Giants also received positive news on another front.
Running back Cam Skattebo returned to practice less than eight months after suffering a devastating ankle injury that included an open tibia fracture, a dislocated ankle and a ruptured deltoid ligament.
Harbaugh expressed excitement about seeing the second-year back participate in team drills again after a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Skattebo had previously stated that he expected to be ready for Week 1, and his return to practice suggests he remains on track for that goal.
The running back totaled 410 rushing yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie before his season-ending injury.
With minicamp continuing through Wednesday before the Giants break until training camp in late July, the organization will now monitor Carter’s ankle closely. For the moment, however, the early outlook appears far more encouraging than it initially looked when the young pass rusher limped off the field.
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