Giants GM Talks Abdul Carter's Benching in Video, Says Rookie Won't 'Be Perfect'

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen downplayed the significance to Abdul Carter earning a second benching this season.

The rookie linebacker didn't take the field for the opening drive in Monday's 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots. The New York Post's Ryan Dunleavy reported he was disciplined for missing all or part of a "team responsibility."

Schoen told reporters Tuesday that Carter "understands the magnitude of his actions and also understands what it means to be a pro." He added that "it's not always going to be perfect" with young players who recently arrived in the NFL:

Carter, the No. 3 overall pick, has fallen well short of expectations. In 13 appearances, he has just 1.5 sacks and one tackle for loss, registering a limited impact on the field.

Unforced errors off the field have added to the sense of frustration surrounding his contributions.

Interim coach Mike Kafka previously sidelined Carter for New York's first defensive series in a Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers after he missed a walkthrough.

Teammate Dexter Lawrence II said matter-of-factly the first-year defender needs to "grow up."

Like Schoen, the three-time Pro Bowler was understanding to a degree but stressed the need to be diligent.

"I mean, it is definitely frustrating. But you got to stay on [young players], and you got to help them learn from these mistakes," Lawrence told reporters. "And we all made them. We've all been late. We've all had moments like that. But you just got to learn from them."

For his part, Carter said he's taking the constructive criticism in stride and that this experience could be beneficial for him in the long term:

The Giants are 2-11 and have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. For Carter, the ship has probably sailed on him earning any individual honors. There isn't a lot to play for in the final month.

Carter can at least use the next few weeks to continue building the habits that will serve him well throughout his pro career.