Dexter

Lawrence

Carter returned to practice on Friday, logging a limited session. Giants DL Dexter Lawrence (illness) was also removed from the injury report, though he did not resume practicing. We tentatively expect both players to be on the field for Week 18, but projecting their snap counts is tough. The Giants and Cowboys have both been eliminated from playoff contention.

Carter’s absence is unsurprising. The coaching staff reportedly sent him and others home yesterday. The Athletic’s Dan Duggan noted DL Dexter Lawrence was also absent on Thursday. He believes Lawrence is “also in the illness category.” Both players have a chance to face the Cowboys this week, though the team notably kept TE Theo Johnson (illness) sidelined in Week 17, and he has not yet resumed practicing.

Lawrence has a $15.5 million base salary, plus a $500,000 workout bonus this season. The star defensive tackle totaled a career-high 10 sacks last year despite suffering a season-ending elbow injury in Week 13. Lawrence sat out during the offseason workout program, rehabbing the injury. He participated in team drills at the Giants’ first training camp practice though. He’s good to go.

We now have two reliable beat reporters who have recently reported positively on Nabers’ toe, with Raanan encouragingly citing multiple sources. Raanan also notes that the Giants played things safely with multiple starters, many working through rehab programs this spring, including Dexter Lawrence (elbow), OT Andrew Thomas (foot), LB Bobby Okereke (back), OG Jon Runyan Jr. (ankle) and OG Greg Van Roten (veteran rest). Fantasy managers should feel good about drafting Nabers as a WR1 at this time.

In theory, Lawrence could return in Week 18 if the club wanted. But with nothing to play for, and Adam Schefter literally saying it is “season-ending,” we’ll close up the ledger for Lawrence’s 2024 season. Lawrence finished with an 89.9 PFF grade and has been the best pass rusher at his position — perhaps the only player of his size period capable of doing what he does as a rusher — as he ends the year with 10 sacks in 551 snaps. Lawrence’s cap number balloons to $24.13 million next year. There aren’t many non-quarterbacks we’d say can carry that number and be worth it, but Lawrence is one of them.

Lawrence suffered a dislocated elbow in the Giants’ Week 13 loss to the Cowboys. While that’s not always a season-ending injury, Lawrence’s injury comes with just five weeks left in what is a lost season for the Giants. One of the few bright spots on the Giants’ roster, Lawrence has totaled 44 tackles, nine sacks, and eight TFLs this season. It’s unlikely we see him play another down for the Giants in 2024.

Lawrence was sporting a sling while talking to reports after the game. He will undergo further testing to determine the full extent of the injury. Entering the final month of a lost season, the Giants don’t have any reason to rush the stud defensive tackle back this year. He has nine TFLs and eight TFLs this year. It’s possible that’s where his season ends because of the elbow injury.

It’s a big loss for the Giants as Lawrence is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the sport. Lawrence picked up the injury in the third quarter, and he’ll be replaced by Jordan Riley as the nose for the remainder of the contest.

Lawrence has been managing a slew of injuries this season but has yet to miss a game, contributing to a Giants defense now allowing the most yards per carry in the league (5.4). Even so, Lawrence remains one of the better pure run-stoppers in the league and would leave the Giants in rough shape should he be forced to miss a contest this season.

Lawrence missed Wednesday’s practice but returned later in the week. He also told reporters on Wednesday that he expects to play, so we’ll take his word on the matter until further notice. Lawrence has seven sacks and five TFLs this season.