Giants Insider Shares Telling Update on Abdul Carter Amid Injury Concerns

The New York Giants released their final injury update on Friday, October 17, ahead of the Week 7 matchup with the Denver Broncos, and it included unexpected news that rookie pass rusher Abdul Carter will be “questionable” for the outing.

“Three Giants are out, including [center] John Michael Schmitz (concussion),” ESPN’s Jordan Raanan relayed on Friday afternoon. “WR Darius Slayton (hamstring) is also doubtful and OLB Abdul Carter (hamstring) [is] questionable.”

Although Carter is dealing with a hamstring issue, which are notoriously tricky, New York Post beat reporter Ryan Dunleavy provided a telling update on the Giants phenom just after the announcement.

“Abdul Carter being questionable is significant news for [the] Giants,” Dunleavy noted. Before adding: “That said, I spoke to him today and his message was that things will be settled on the field in Denver, so he didn’t sound like someone who will not play.”

The current expectation is that Carter will suit up in Week 7, but the same can’t be said about a few other Giants injuries.

3 Giants Ruled Out for Week 7 vs. Broncos

Along with Schmitz, linebackers Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (hamstring) and Swayze Bozeman (ankle) will both miss Week 7 against the Broncos, officially.

Defensive lineman Chauncey Golston (neck) is also doubtful to play in Denver, just like Slayton. Even if Carter and injury returnee Victor Dimukeje (pectoral) are both active on Sunday, the Giants could be without five members of their roster.

So, the Week 7 injury concerns are significant. Schmitz and Slayton are the key absences, but Golston is another veteran role player who would be missed on defense.

With Schmitz out, the Giants could roll with backup IOL Austin Schlottmann at center, similar to Week 6. However, another option would be to shift right guard Greg Van Roten to center and start someone like Aaron Stinnie, Marcus Mbow, or Evan Neal at guard.

At wide receiver, the likeliest replacement for Slayton would be veteran Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who was elevated to fill in for the veteran starter last week. The Broncos would be a “revenge game” for Humphrey, who appeared in 34 games with Denver from 2023 through 2024.

Former Colts Draft Pick Pays Price as Broncos Signal Dre Greenlaw Move

The Denver Broncos appear to be on the verge of getting prized offseason addition and veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw back on the field for the first time since the regular season began, potentially as soon as Week 7 against the New York Giants.

However, it is notably the potential corresponding action that serves as the potential tell.

Greenlaw inked a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Broncos in free agency, and his return remains highly anticipated.

Dre Greenlaw’s Return Appears Imminent

The Broncos listed Greenlaw as questionable on their final injury report of the week, after he upgraded from back-to-back sessions to a full one in the final opportunity. He remains on injured reserve, with a decision likely coming on Saturday, if at all this week.

“Dre Greenlaw moved around very well all week in practice from what the media saw,” DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens posted on X on October 17.

“Wouldn’t be surprised at all if he made his Broncos debut on Sunday.”

Stevens also posted his belief that “every single sign points to Dre Greenlaw making his Broncos debut on Sunday,” despite the team still needing to make an official declaration, and he is not alone.

The Broncos cut quarterback Sam Ehlinger from the 53-man roster without a corresponding move as a precursor.

That could signal their intent to activate Greenlaw off IR.

Sam Ehlinger Expected to Sign With Broncos’ Practice Squad

Ehlinger has served as the Broncos’ third and emergency quarterback all season, signing during the spring after entering the league as a sixth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.

“Sam Ehlinger being released is a very strong indication that Dre Greenlaw is going to be on the 53-player roster on Saturday,” Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason posted on X. “Ehlinger is not subject to the waiver wire, so the Broncos can sign him to the practice squad Saturday, and elevate him as the emergency No. 3 QB.”

That is indeed the Broncos’ plan, both for Ehlinger and Greenlaw.

“Source says #Broncos will indeed re-sign QB Sam Ehlinger to the practice squad,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson posted. “Move made to clear spot for Dre Greenlaw to return to 53-man roster.”

Greenlaw’s return, which could come in a limited capacity, should elevate a Broncos defense that ranks No. 2 in scoring and overall entering Sunday.

Broncos Rule Out Jonah Elliss vs Giants

Greenlaw’s potential return is encouraging, but the Broncos did deliver some more sobering news to close out their week of preparation.

Second-year outside linebacker Jonah Elliss ruled out for the second straight week due to a shoulder injury. Elliss has not practiced since Week 5, when he was on the injury report with a rib issue.

He shed the rib injury, but the shoulder issue has lingered.

Elliss underwent surgery in the offseason to repair a fractured scapula suffered during the 2024 playoffs against the Buffalo Bills.

“In his absence, rookie Que Robinson will likely be back in Denver’s outside linebacker rotation,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel wrote on October 17. “The fourth-round rookie made his debut last week and played 19 defensive snaps.”

Elliss has 3 total tackles, 1.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble on the season. The son of Broncos great, Luther Elliss, Jonah logged 5.0 sacks as a rookie.

The Broncos need whatever Greenlaw can give them, if he plays, to outweigh the loss of Elliss.

 

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