Lorenzo Carter Not on PUP to start Training Camp

Fourth-year NY Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter is facing a pivotal training camp, but he’ll be on the field to start it

The NY Giants need more from their pass rushers in 2021, and Lorenzo Carter figures to play a major factor.

The pass rush will come mainly off the EDGE from the outside linebacker and defensive end positions. It will take a whole group of players to get the job done in this ‘no-name’ defensive front seven.

Lorenzo Carter is one of the top players primed to break out and start for the Giants‘ defense this year.

The 2018 third-rounder has shown flashes of becoming a full-time player who can consistently win off the EDGE in both the run and pass game.

Carter showed off some ability as a part-time player in 2018 & 2019. He racked up 4.0 & 4.5 sacks in two years despite starting 14 games in that time. His 23 QB hits further pointed to evidence of there being more to come with Carter’s skills as he developed his game.

In 2020, Carter was expected to truly break out and take the next step. He took on the starting EDGE spot and was hoping to take his game to the next level after 8.5 sacks in two years in a limited role. Instead, Carter struggled in five games played and only racked up one sack with 4 QB hits.

In Week 5, Carter’s 2020 season ended abruptly after sustaining a torn Achilles.

One of the worst injuries in today’s game of football, Carter has worked his way back through surgery, rehab, and even made it onto the field for spring football. Carter looked good in the Spring and was moving around well despite wearing a big, new brace on his leg.

Can Lorenzo Carter reach his potential for the NY Giants this season, after returning from injury?

Heading into training camp, there was a swirl of questions surrounding Carter’s status and his outlook for training camp. There is good news on that front as Carter has avoided the dreaded PUP list and seems set for training camp with few-if-any limitations. Zo will not join the six other Giant players who did end up on the PUP list, mainly headlined by Saquon Barkley on the injury front.

The fact that Lorenzo Carter returned to the football field in less than eight months is quite an impressive recovery. If Carter can stay healthy through camp and avoid any health setbacks, he is in line for his starting spot back from 2020. Entering a contract season, Lorenzo Carters knows and understands what’s at stake for his professional career here.

With a strong training camp, Carter can return to his old starting spot and look to make an impact on defense for New York. With a strong season, Carter can convince the Giants front office he is worth keeping and should be a big part of the team’s future. Look for #59 to make some noise this August in Camp as Lorenzo Carter returns to the football field.