The New York Giants opened the league’s eyes on Sunday for all the wrong reasons, and the spotlight immediately fell on Mike Kafka. The interim head coach had to explain why star nose tackle Dexter Lawrence wasn’t on the field when Jahmyr Gibbs ripped a 69-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime. As revealed by Giants Wire, the situation confused fans, raised questions inside the building, and became a major storyline after another tough loss dropped New York to 2-9.
Per Giants Wire Kafka said, “So, Dex is battling for us. He had a little nick with him—he got a little nicked for us. So, he was battling. He gave us everything he had for as many plays as we could possibly get him in there.”
New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka explains why nose tackle Dexter Lawrence was sidelined during a back-breaking moment in overtime. https://t.co/OTMe67ATM5 pic.twitter.com/QgjrAMgyQ3
— TheGiantsWire (@TheGiantsWire) November 24, 2025
Mike Kafka Defends the Decision As Dexter Lawrence’s Injury Flared Late
Mike Kafka
Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team head coach Mike Kafka of the New York Giants tracks drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Coach Kafka didn’t dodge responsibility. Instead, he stepped into the press room knowing the first question would center on Lawrence’s absence. So far, the Giants have leaned on Lawrence to anchor the middle. Even so, he spent key snaps on the sideline throughout the game. That included a second-and-1 earlier when Gibbs burst for 49 yards. Then it happened again in overtime, and this time the consequences were immediate and painful.
Kafka explained that the staff had to manage Lawrence’s snaps because the injury had bothered him all game. It flared up late in the fourth quarter, and the medical staff wanted him available for third downs, where his impact as a pass rusher matters most. The plan was simple, as they wanted to protect him enough to use him as a means of leverage. Plus, they believed the rotation could hold long enough to get him back on the field if the drive extended.
Even so, the optics were rough. Gibbs sliced straight through the spot where Lawrence usually sits, and the defense looked stunned as he sprinted untouched into the end zone. Fans questioned the rotation. Analysts questioned the timing. Giants legend Carl Banks even called out the decision, arguing that players should either be able to go or not go at all in those moments.
Kafka stayed firm. When asked if Lawrence would have returned later in the drive, he answered without hesitation. He said absolutely. The staff expected him to be ready if Detroit gained another first down. The injury management wasn’t new either. Kafka noted that Lawrence had been battling it for four quarters and kept trying to push through pain whenever possible.
Now the Giants move forward with tough questions. They need Lawrence healthy, and they need cleaner situational choices. New York keeps slipping in critical moments, and the absence of its best interior force only fuels more frustration. The coaching staff must find a balance that keeps star players on the field without risking long-term damage.