2025 NFL preseason What We Learned from Patriots-Giants

#Carter, Skattebo show flashes in limited action

New York’s first-round pass rusher saw just three snaps in the preseason finale, but Abdul Carter still managed to make his presence felt. On two passing downs, he generated a pressure on a stunt, slipping past Sidy Sow and forcing Ben Wooldridge into a short throw on third down. While the sample size was small, Carter avoided the kind of viral lowlights he encountered earlier in August and left a positive impression heading into Week 1.

Rookie running back Cam Skattebo also returned after missing time with a hamstring injury. He logged 10 snaps, carrying three times for four yards apiece. Outside of a stumble on his first attempt, he ran with effort and finished strong. Most importantly, he looked healthy, which sets him up well to enter the regular season without limitations.

#Dugger’s future in New England in question

Safety Kyle Dugger may have played his final snaps as a Patriot. After being surprisingly demoted to second-team work during August practices, the veteran logged 41 snaps against reserves in last week’s game against Minnesota — the most of any New England defender. He was again late to see the field in the preseason finale, not entering until the fifth defensive possession despite the team already rotating in backups.

On the field, Dugger was largely solid, delivering several big tackles, allowing just one catch for two yards on four targets, and even recording a gift interception. His lone glaring mistake came on a 41-yard screen touchdown, where he overcommitted in pursuit. Still, for a player who signed a four-year extension just 16 months ago, his usage is telling. The question now is whether New England still sees him as part of its long-term plans — or if these snaps were a final audition.