Kayvon Thibodeaux is playing beat the clock.
Thibodeaux remains committed to playing again for the Giants this season — his eye is on Dec. 28 against the Raiders — despite a lingering shoulder injury that will sideline him Sunday for a fifth straight game.
“I’m still feeling good and shooting for the last two [games],” Thibodeaux told The Post. “I have to come back; I have to play. Obviously, I just want to play football, but I still feel a certain level of pride in this team and I still feel a certain level of expectation on myself to leave everything on the field.”
Thibodeaux is signed for $14.7 million in 2026 but is eligible for a long-term extension. Playing at anything less than 100 percent could be jeopardizing his future for a 2-12 team.
“The fact that we still have some opportunities left, I can’t sit and think about what else is to come,” Thibodeaux said. “As long as I’m healthy and I can play, then I’m going to play. For what I injured, you can’t play if you can’t play. I’m definitely going to make sure that I’m able to do my job at a high level.”
Thibodeaux has only 2.5 sacks in 10 games but has become a more complete player in Year 4, including as an edge-setter against the run.
Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) reacts as he walks off the field at the end of the fourth quarter of the Giants and Philadelphia Eagles game in East Rutherford, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post
Rookie OLB Abdul Carter’s new commitment to arriving early, leaving late and watching more film, according to the Giants, led to his breakout game with a sack and two forced fumbles.
Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) and defensive tackle Darius Alexander (91) walk off the field after the Washington Commanders beat the Giants 29-21 in East Rutherford, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post
“I think the production on the field was validation for the improvements and commitment he made to the process,” defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen said. “He’s been foot on the gas. He’s even brought a couple teammates with him this week, too. Really proud of the way he’s been working.”
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Carter didn’t name which teammates are carpooling with him but said it is other young players in the defensive front seven.
“Shoot, I hope it’s contagious,” Carter told The Post. “For the good of the defense. It’s me reaching out because I felt I could help more if I bring some guys with me.”
After returning for one practice following four weeks on the shelf with a hamstring injury, OT Evan Neal was sidelined again Thursday with some neck soreness, according to head coach Mike Kafka.
Considering the Giants have been open about having no plans to give their 2022 draft bust his first snap this season at a new position (guard) and he is headed to free agency after the season, it’s not a surprise development.
DT Dexter Lawrence (rest) and CB Art Green (illness/hamstring) were upgraded to full practice participants. S Tyler Nubin (personal) missed practice.