Giants Bench Skattebo, Promote Harris Due to Fumbles

The New York Giants have demoted starting running back Cam Skattebo due to recurring ball-security issues, promoting veteran Najee Harris into the starting role for Sunday's game against the Saints. Skattebo has fumbled the ball four times in the Giants' first five games this season, a trend that has now led to a change in the team's starting lineup.

This latest change comes after a costly fumble last week against the Commanders. With the Giants driving for a potential game-winning field goal, Skattebo lost possession of the ball when hit by a defender. The fumble ended the drive and prevented the Giants from attempting a 42-yard field goal, contributing to the eventual 27-27 tie. In addition to his ball-security problems, Skattebo has struggled with efficiency, averaging only 3.6 yards per rush this season.

The Giants' running game has been inconsistent overall, with multiple backs experiencing fumbles. Both Harris and Tyrone Tracy have also fumbled at least once this season. Devin Singletary, another running back on the roster, was active for Sunday's game after being a healthy scratch for the previous three contests.

Najee Harris, an established NFL veteran, brings a track record of production, including four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Steelers early in his career. However, a torn Achilles tendon in 2025 with the Chargers has impacted his performance, and he has not shown significant explosiveness since joining the Giants.

Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the consequences of persistent fumbles, stating earlier in the week that there comes a point when changes are necessary. When pressed about Skattebo specifically, Harbaugh indicated that the situation was under evaluation.

The Giants will face a Saints team that has struggled against the run, ranking 30th in the league and allowing an average of 148 rushing yards per game through their first five contests.