The New York Giants have sent a clear message to Cam Skattebo: his starting job is not safe. After a promising rookie campaign, the second-year back has found himself on the bench, and the team is reportedly exploring options to upgrade the position before the trade deadline.
Skattebo burst onto the scene in 2025, rushing for 410 yards and five touchdowns in just eight games before a gruesome leg injury ended his season. But his 2026 return has been rocky. A costly overtime fumble against the Commanders in Week 5 led to a tie, and coach John Harbaugh benched him the following week.
"I got punished for what I did and I understand it," Skattebo said, via Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic. "I gotta be ready when coach calls my name and that wasn't today. The message was keep your head down and keep going. They understand the type of player I am and I just gotta continue to do my job and do it to the best of my abilities."
Despite the benching, Skattebo is expected to get carries this Sunday against the Texans. But according to SNY's Connor Hughes, the Giants are likely to pursue a running back before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, which could relegate Skattebo to a backup role.
"The Giants will likely try to add to the running back room before the trade deadline," Hughes wrote. "It's just a matter of if they can do anything – I have my doubts. Skattebo should leave that house, but once out of it, I'm not sure the Giants hand him the role he was enjoying pre-benching."
One name that has surfaced is Jonathan Taylor, though it's hard to imagine the Colts parting with their star back. The Giants have also been linked to other moves, including a potential blockbuster trade for Taylor that some insiders have floated. But with the trade deadline looming, the Giants' front office may need to act fast if they want to bolster their backfield.
Meanwhile, the team is also dealing with quarterback uncertainty, as they've turned to J.J. McCarthy as the starter for Week 7 against the Texans. That shakeup could further impact the offensive game plan.
For Skattebo, the writing may be on the wall. Even if he gets a chance to reclaim his role, the Giants' interest in adding another back suggests they're not fully committed to him as the lead runner. His future in New York is very much up in the air.
If the Giants do make a trade, it would be a bold statement about their playoff aspirations. But as Hughes notes, pulling off a deal is easier said than done. For now, Skattebo will have to prove he deserves to stay on the field.
