The New York Giants' decision not to give Cam Skattebo any touches in their Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints is one of the most divisive decisions in the NFL thus far in 2026.
After the game, head coach John Harbaugh made comments about needing someone to step up in the Giants' backfield. Veteran running back Najee Harris then voiced frustration with the rotation, and the Giants released him two days later, fueling further discussion about the team's approach at running back.
"Nobody is safe. It's as simple as that," Skattebo told reporters on Friday . "When we go on the field, and we're not performing, we understand there's a possibility of not being here."
The quote comes in response to the Giants' release of Harris, who in five games with the team carried the ball 31 times for 99 yards and a fumble while adding one reception for five yards.
Like much of the rest of the backfield, Harris had struggled to begin the season, but it was his comments after the game that many believe were the final straw and what ultimately caused him to be released.
After receiving only four carries for two yards in the Week 6 game, Harris told reporters , "It's hard to get in a rhythm with one or two plays. The first couple runs will be like, 'OK, how are they playing it?' And then the next ones will be, 'OK, this is how you attack it.' But if you're getting a play here and then get taken out for a series, there's nothing you could do. That's why I'm saying, 'I don't know.' I've never been through none of this before."
Despite his struggles, the release after the comments seemed to resonate with many on social media. However, Harbaugh insisted that it had nothing to do with why he was released.
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"It was more about, 'Alright, we're going to set a course,' It's hard to carry four backs," Harbaugh told reporters . "I just felt like, in this situation . . . nothing against what he did."
Skattebo will need to improve his play and focus on ball security down the stretch to get out of the doghouse and earn back some playing time. He ranks as the No. 34 running back in PFN's Running Back Impact Metric with a grade of 71.0, carrying 81 times for 294 yards, one touchdown, and four fumbles, while adding 10 receptions for 79 yards through the air.
Through eight games as a rookie, Skattebo flashed explosive workhorse potential, with the ability to operate in short yardage and be effective as a receiver; however, his slow start has left the door open for others to earn opportunities.
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While Harris, Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary all earned touches in Week 6, the Giants have been linked in trade rumors as a team that could potentially be interested in acquiring a running back.
There is no evidence that they will acquire one yet, but players such as James Conner, Jonathan Taylor, Tony Pollard, Saquon Barkley, and others could be dangled on the trade market.
If Skattebo doesn't show signs of the player he was in 2025, and nobody else seizes the role in the short term, they could be a team that makes a push for a running back ahead of the trade deadline.
Skattebo will look to get back on track beginning in Week 7, when he faces a challenging task in playing against the Houston Texans. New York's running back situation remains one to monitor as the season progresses.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
