Following a series of fumbles this season, Cam Skattebo was completely eliminated from the New York Giants’ offense in Week 6.
Prior to Sunday’s action, a report from ESPN indicated there would be a change in New York’s backfield rotation. Najee Harris was likely to see a significant role, while Skattebo was demoted. The assumption was that even if demoted, Skattebo would be involved in the Giants’ rushing attack. However, that never came to fruition in the club’s 34-27 loss to New Orleans.
Skattebo didn’t record a single run or target on Sunday. It was the first time in his career that Skattebo was active during a match but saw no touches. In all, Skattebo played six snaps.
“I didn’t expect to get zero,” Skattebo said after the game, via The Athletic. “I expected not to play as much as I did. The message was to keep my head down and keep going. They understand the type of player I am, and I just have to keep doing my job and do it to the best of my ability.
After the game, head coach John Harbaugh said Skattebo’s lack of action “was not intentional” and that he was not on the bench.
“It wasn’t intentional that he didn’t carry the ball,” he said via Yahoo Sports. “When he was out there, we didn’t call any points. You don’t think about whose back is in the game and how many points they’re getting.”
With Skattebo on the outside monitoring the rushing attack, the Giants finished the day with 20 carries for 84 yards (4.2 yards per carry average) and a touchdown. Specifically, the Giants running backs rushed 14 times for 34 yards and a touchdown. Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the way with six carries, followed by Devin Singletary and Najee Harris, who each finished with four attempts.
In addition to the carries, Tracy saw three targets (two catches), while Singletary was targeted once (one catch).
Skattebo’s demotion stems from awkward issues. So far this season, he’s fumbled four times, including a grueling fumble last week in the overtime tie against the Washington Commanders. That turnover at the Washington 24-yard line eliminated a game-winning kick opportunity and instead led to the Giants nearly losing the game without Jayden Daniels and the Commanders offense mismanaging the clock en route to the tie.
“I was punished for what I did (last week),” Skattebo said. “I understand that, so I have to be ready when coach calls me, and it wasn’t today.”
He then added: “It’s difficult, but I’ve made mistakes and I have to own up to them. If that’s what they want to do — keep me away because of this — I completely understand.”
New York will be in Houston next Sunday for a Week 7 game against the Texans before entering Week 8 bye.
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