Cam Skattebo still leads crowded Giants backfield in 2026
Cam Skattebo remains the New York Giants' top running back option even after the team signed four-time 1,000-yard rusher Najee Harris. ESPN reports Skattebo has been first up in most summer practices and started the preseason opener while returning from a serious ankle injury that ended his rookie season last October.
Key Takeaways
- Cam Skattebo has led Giants backfield reps through camp and started the preseason opener vs. Minnesota.
- Najee Harris joined on a one-year minimum deal but is expected to compete for carries, not settle as a fourth option.
- Skattebo is not yet 100% explosive after his Oct. 26 ankle injury but impressed John Harbaugh in limited action.
- The second-year back wants to add elusiveness to his physical running style before the Sept. 13 season opener.
- Four capable backs make the 2026 depth chart tough to predict despite Skattebo's current edge.
Why Is Cam Skattebo Still the Giants' Top Running Back?
The Giants' running back room got more crowded when Najee Harris signed this week, but Harris is not joining to sit behind Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. According to ESPN, he was brought in as a significant contributor on a one-year minimum deal worth $1.215 million with no guaranteed money.
Skattebo has been the first running back up most days at practice this summer and started in the preseason opener despite coming off an open fracture of his right ankle. Coach John Harbaugh said Skattebo ran well enough against the Vikings to look like the pre-injury version from last season. The second-year back scored seven total touchdowns in eight games during his rookie campaign before the injury.
How Is Skattebo Recovering From His Ankle Injury?
Skattebo's comeback began after a brutal Oct. 26 injury against the Philadelphia Eagles, when he suffered a dislocated right ankle that required surgery. Saturday's preseason opener marked his first game action since that setback.
He played five snaps and carried four times for 19 yards, with a long gain of seven. Giants fans loudly cheered his first carry, but Skattebo told reporters he knows he can run more forcefully than he did that night. Harbaugh agreed he is not yet "100% twitchy and explosive," though he praised Skattebo's foot quickness, feel for the game and explosiveness in limited action.
What Does Najee Harris' Signing Mean for the Backfield?
Harris took three days to join live drills and received three carries during joint practices with Miami. He said he has "a lot to prove" and chose the Giants because Harbaugh's run-heavy approach aligns with his downhill, physical running style.
Harbaugh prefers a deep backfield and is not opposed to keeping four running backs. Harris could earn a significant share of carries several weeks into the 2026 season if he shows pre-Achilles Pittsburgh form. For more on high-profile athlete comebacks, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
Where Does Cam Skattebo Want to Improve in 2026?
Skattebo's reputation as an undersized back who runs through defenders rather than around them has defined his game. After Monday's 15th training camp practice, he said he hopes fans will see more elusiveness this season while keeping his physical edge.
"People know I'm crazy and that I like to run through people instead of run around them," Skattebo said, according to NJ.com. "Hopefully, you'll see more running around people this year." He added that Harbaugh "knows that there's more to me" as the Sept. 13 season opener against the Cowboys approaches.