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Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter impresses in 2026 training camp
Head coach John Harbaugh praised second‑year linebacker Abdul Carter after two strong practices at the New York Giants’ 2026 training camp in West Virginia. Carter logged at least 1½ sacks in Thursday’s session and repeatedly pressured quarterback Jaxson Dart, drawing attention for his intensity against left tackle Andrew Thomas.
Harbaugh said Carter needs to improve consistency on “all downs, all situations” and may be moved around the defense, even into coverage. The Giants’ edge‑rushing corps now includes veteran Brian Burns, recent first‑round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux and Carter, giving the staff flexibility to deploy multiple pass‑rush packages.
Carter, who recorded four sacks, 43 tackles (seven for loss), 23 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and two recoveries in 17 games last season, said he is targeting the Defensive Player of the Year award for 2026. The team opens preseason on Aug. 15 against the Vikings and begins the regular season on Sept. 13 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Entities
Abdul Carter · Andrew Thomas · Brian Burns · John Harbaugh · Kayvon Thibodeaux · New York Giants
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Abdul Carter recorded at least 1½ sacks during Thursday's practice. www.nytimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Andrew Thomas is the Giants' left tackle and faced Carter in practice. www.nytimes.com · nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Coach John Harbaugh said Carter had two good practices and needs consistency on all downs. heavy.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Carter said he wants to be Defensive Player of the Year in 2026. bleacherreport.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Giants' edge‑rushing group includes Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter. empiresportsmedia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Giants training camp began at the Greenbrier Sports Performance Center in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. nypost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Carter recorded 4 sacks, 43 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 23 quarterback hits, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries in 17 games last season. bleacherreport.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Harbaugh plans to use Carter in various roles, including coverage and stunts. bleacherreport.com