Giants Linebacker Abdul Carter Skips Practice with Unexpected Calf Injury, Endangering 22‑Game Streak

Abdul Carter’s impressive run could be halted by a calf problem.

The Giants’ linebacker did not take part in Wednesday’s practice due to a surprise calf injury that surfaced after Sunday’s game.

With eight tackles, 12 quarterback pressures, and a sack in the last two contests, Carter faces the risk of ending his streak of 22 consecutive games played when the team faces the Saints this Sunday.

“He’s doing very well,” head coach John Harbaugh said cautiously.

New York has been heavily relying on Carter, who has appeared in 92.2 percent of defensive snaps through five games, raising questions about the long‑term sustainability of that workload.

“Is that sustainable?”

“He would probably say yes,” outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen remarked. “He’s young and he doesn’t get tired. As a coach, we have to keep the long‑term focus in mind and take something off of him.”

Other Giants players also sat out practice: RT Jermaine Eluemunor (calf), LT Andrew Thomas (groin), CB Colton Hood (concussion) and S Tyler Nubin (neck). TE Theo Johnson (neck), WR Darnell Mooney (neck), Greg Newsome II (groin) and S Jason Pinnock (concussion) were limited.

The J.J. McCarthy Package is a “change of pace” that head coach John Harbaugh welcomes. He subbed in for Jameis Winston for five snaps (two negated by penalty) against the Commanders.

“What you saw is probably not all we have for him right now,” Harbaugh said. “One thing about it, to me, it’s like, what’s the benefit of not doing everything you can to use all the guys you have? We’re always going to be searching for opportunities to use our players, give them an opportunity to help us win games. I think we’d be negligent if we didn’t try to do that.”

The Giants have lost nine fumbles this season, including four that were recovered by opponents, tying for the sixth‑most in the NFL.

“It’s been a major point of emphasis from day one, and it’s still not good enough,” Harbaugh said. “So, we have to get a lot better in that area. That’s been probably the most important thing with our offense. Right now, but really all the time. But the fact that we’ve had a number of fumbles, way more than we should, we’re making a big deal out of it.”

Ever since the Saints turned to Tyler Shough as their starting quarterback midway through last season, 2022 first‑round pick Chris Olave has become one of the NFL’s best receivers.

“Those two guys, they’re a connection right now,” Harbaugh said. “[Shough] has been lighting it up since he started. But he’s still a young quarterback, too, so you see all those elements. Done a great job, though.”

The Giants signed OL Josh Gesky to the practice squad and released DL C.J. Ravenell.

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