The New York Giants fell 34-27 to the New Orleans Saints in Week 6, and the postgame focus landed on running back Cam Skattebo. He recorded no carries or receptions, and the questions followed him into the new week. Giants fans wanted answers about his role and his grip on the football. Now, Skattebo has finally spoken up with a clear message.
Cam Skattebo addresses ball security after being benched
Skattebo spoke to reporters on Friday after a rough week for the second-year back. In Week 5, the Giants tied the Washington Commanders 27-27, and his overtime fumble in field-goal range wiped out a chance to win. Daron Payne forced the ball loose, and Shy Tuttle recovered it.
His workload vanished in Week 6. Skattebo played six snaps against the Saints without a touch. Head coach John Harbaugh said it was not by design, yet Skattebo called it punishment for the fumble. Veteran Najee Harris was released two days later.
Four fumbles through five games have kept the issue in focus. On Friday, he pointed to a grip error behind one punch-out.
“It’s actually how I got punched out. I didn’t grab the wrist, and I put my arm over the other one,” Skattebo told SNY.
He kept the bigger message simple.
“I’m going to go with what coaches are teaching us, what’s taught, what’s the best way to secure the ball, the best way to hold it,” Skattebo added. “At the end of the day, I’ve got to take care of the ball. I’ve done it my whole life. Simple as that. Take care of the ball, and you’ll be just fine,”
“At the end of the day, I’ve got to take care of the ball. I’ve done it my whole life. Simple as that. Take care of the ball, and you’ll be just fine.”
– Cam Skattebo https://t.co/3NNj9kWx0q
— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) October 23, 2026
The RB also recalled what the Commanders shouted at him after that fumble, and the details add another layer.
Skattebo reveals what Commanders players shouted after the fumble
The fumble came at the Commanders’ 24-yard line with 1:55 left in overtime. Washington drove into kicking range, then let the clock run out before attempting a game-winning field goal. That saved New York from a loss.
Skattebo said the reaction on the field was harsh, with eleven opposing players shouting at him.
“It sucks. There’s 11 guys on the other team just screaming at you, Telling you you messed up, it’s your fault, you sold the game, everything. You get that,” he recalled.
That moment shows why the Commanders’ reaction has drawn so much attention. Mike Tomlin also criticized the play on NBC. Harbaugh has made ball security a standard for the whole backfield, since Tyrone Tracy Jr. lost snaps after his own Week 1 fumble.
Skattebo and the Giants (3-2-1) lead the NFC East heading into Week 7. They visit the Houston Texans (2-4), who have won two straight, on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Skattebo’s next carry will show whether his message turns into action.
More NFL News:
- Giants Appear to Have Soured on Cam Skattebo as Lead Running Back
- Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Takes Aim at NFL After Jalen Hurts Health Scare
- Steelers Make Shocking Cancellation Amid Riots Prior To Contest Vs Saints (Breaking News)
- “Football’s Greatest Mind”: Jerry Jones Teases Handing Front Office To Cowboys Legend
The post Giants’ Cam Skattebo Owns Up to Issue That Nearly Derailed His Breakout Season appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.