Giants Running Back Cam Skattebo Acknowledges Fumble Fallout Led to Reduced Playing Time
Skattebo was limited to six offensive snaps and zero touches in the Giants' loss to the Saints after fumbling four times in the first five games.
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo understood that his playing time would be reduced due to his fumbling issues, but he expressed surprise at the extent of his limited involvement in the team's recent 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Skattebo was on the field for only six offensive snaps, all in the first half, and did not record any touches in the game. This marked a significant decrease from his previous average of 18.2 touches per game.
"I got punished for what I did, and I understand," Skattebo stated, referring to his fumbles. "I've got to be ready when coach calls my name. And that wasn't today." He acknowledged the message from the coaching staff is to "keep your head down and keep going."
The Giants' decision to limit Skattebo's snaps follows a pattern of reduced playing time for players who have made costly mistakes. Notably, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was previously buried on the depth chart after fumbling in preseason and Week 1 but managed to work his way back to score two touchdowns against the Saints. "I've made mistakes, and I have to own up to them," Skattebo said. "If that's what they want to do — keep me on the sideline because of that — I totally understand. When you make mistakes like that, consequences are to be made."
Head coach John Harbaugh clarified that Skattebo was not officially benched. "That was not by design," Harbaugh said. "It’s just when he was in the game, we didn’t call any runs." Skattebo confirmed that he understood Harbaugh's explanation regarding his reduced workload. In Skattebo's diminished role, starters Najee Harris and Devin Singletary, along with Tracy, combined for 14 carries and 34 rushing yards.
Skattebo expressed disappointment at the drastic reduction from approximately 50 snaps to six but remains focused on improvement. "If that's what it is, that's what it is. I have to get back to practice, work my butt off, and hopefully it comes back around," he said.