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Giants' Cam Skattebo is in More Danger Than You Think
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- Giants' Cam Skattebo is in More Danger Than You Think
Giants' Cam Skattebo is in More Danger Than You Think
(USA TODAY Network)
Cam Skattebo is the New York Giants ' lead running back heading into 2026, but he is by no means a permanent fixture there.
Skattebo was solid in the eight games he played during his rookie campaign last year. He was exciting, he was aggressive and he was inspiring.
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But Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs or Saquon Barkley, he was not.
For as much as Skattebo ignited the Giants fanbase last fall, he wasn't close to elite, having rushed for 410 yards and five touchdowns on 3.9 yards per carry. The 24 catches were nice, as he showcased his versatility. But New York needs more.
The efficiency is a problem, and while it's partially a result of Skattebo being used in short-yardage situations, so was Jacobs ... and he ridiculous averaged five yards per carry three times in his career. That included posting 5.6 yards per attempt in 2010.
Even during his return to the Giants in 2013 when Jacobs appeared in just seven contests, he still logged 4.1 yards per tote.
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Skattebo needs to be better, and while that is somewhat on the offensive line in front of him, New York is actually not half-bad in the trenches.
The problem for Skattebo entering his sophomore season is that he is being threatened by both Tyrone Tracy and Najee Harris.
Tracy surely didn't win a bunch of brownie points with John Harbaugh thanks to a couple of glaring gaffes in preseason, but he is still a versatile, explosive halfback who, if you remember correctly, was New York's initial starter in 2025.
Harris, meanwhile, is a former Pro Bowler who recorded four straight 1,000-yard campaigns with the Pittsburgh Steelers between 2021 and 2024. Like Skattebo, Harris owns a lifetime average of 3.9 yards per rush, but he does a tremendous job of wearing down opposing defenses. And Harbaugh loves bruisers in the backfield.
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It doesn't help Skattebo's case that he aggravated Harbaugh with his failed backflip at Fanatics Fest, and his antics during training camp caught the ire of the head coach, as well.
Don't get it twisted: if Skattebo comes out and performs, he will keep his job. As of right now, he is the starter. But make no mistake: Tracy and Harris will get plenty of touches, and let's remember that Devin Singletary is on the roster, as well.
Skattebo needs to get off to a strong start this season. If he doesn't, Harbaugh might be quick to pull the trigger on a change.
