Giants’ Cam Skattebo Breaks Silence After Being Punished by HC John Harbaugh

Seemingly everyone expected there to be some sort of ramifications for New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo after his fumble against the Washington Commanders last week that nearly cost his team a win (they settled for a tie instead).

But almost no one expected Skattebo to not have a single carry in Sunday’s 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints, especially since the second-year tailback is the team’s best rusher.

Instead, Tyrone Tracy received six carries, Devin Singletary had four, and Najee Harris had four, plus quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Jameis Winston plus receiver Darnell Mooney combined for another six carries.

Head coach John Harbaugh’s message was sent loud and clear, and after Sunday’s loss, Skattebo admitted to reporters that not playing was part of his punishment for what he did the previous week.

“I got punished for what I did (last week), and I understand, so I got to be ready when coach calls my name — and that wasn’t today,” Skattebo said.

Skattebo also admitted that while he expected his workload to drop, he didn’t expect to not play at all. That part was a shock.

“I didn’t expect to have zero (carries), but I was expecting to not play as much,” Skattebo added. “His message is keep your head down and keep going. They understand the type of player I am, and I’ve just got to continue to do my job, and do it to the best of my ability.”

To Skattebo’s credit, he stood in front of reporters, answered questions, and faced the music. His answers were contrite. He took accountability and seemingly held no ill will toward Harbaugh for his decision.

“It’s hard (not to play when the team is losing), but I’ve made mistakes and I’ve got to own up to them. If that is what they want to do — keep me on the sidelines because of that — I totally understand. I can’t make mistakes at this level, and when you make mistakes like that, consequences (will happen).”

It’s not known if Skattebo’s punishment will bleed over into next week’s game against the Houston Texans, but if the Giants want to string some wins together, they can’t keep Skattebo on the bench for long.