New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is determined to build upon his existing physical playing style rather than abandon it after recovering from a severe ankle injury.
Skattebo, entering his second NFL season, stated his aggressive approach is valued by the coaching staff. "I think Coach [John Harbaugh] loves that I run right over the top of people. Physicality is his No. 1 thing, and it gets the [offensive] line going even more," Skattebo said after practice. He acknowledged that his return from injury involves learning to mitigate hits and improve his agility.
"As I came back from injury, I’m learning how to take less hits and try to maneuver better around people instead of through them and realizing that I could have got four more yards if I would have just taken a step to the left," he explained. "I think those are things that I’m just going to continue to add to my game and add to my bag of tools that I can pull from to make sure that I stay healthy and I stay successful."
Last October, Skattebo sustained a season-ending injury to his right ankle, which included an open tibia fracture and dislocation. He has been participating fully in training camp and recorded four carries for 19 yards in the preseason opener against the Vikings. "When I went out there on Saturday, I had no feeling or any recollection of injury in my brain," he said. "I was ready to go play football, and adrenaline gets going, so everything kind of goes away, and you’re just ready to touch the ball and go play ball."
The Giants also made several roster moves, signing quarterback Jake Haener and linebacker Chandler Martin, while waiving running back Dante Miller due to a groin injury sustained in the preseason opener. The team also hosted veteran running back Najee Harris for a visit. Harris is also returning from an Achilles tendon tear. Giants coach John Harbaugh expressed familiarity with Harris from his time with the Chargers and noted his physicality.
"He’s a big dude," Harbaugh said of Harris. "So, yes, he’s coming back from the Achilles injury he had with my brother [Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh]. And he looked good in the workout. You know, he’s not back 100 percent. He’s not in football shape yet. So, if we are able to do something, it’ll be a process. But that would be a guy that has got a lot of experience. He’s a decorated vet."
Harris has achieved over 1,000 rushing yards in four of his five NFL seasons. He played in only three games last season due to his injury.
