John Harbaugh might have made a statement about ball security in the New York Giants’ 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. Running back Cam Skattebo, who lost an overtime fumble against the Washington Commanders the previous week, his fourth of the season, barely saw the field and did not play an offensive snap in the second half.
Skattebo played just six offensive snaps, and for the first time in his NFL career, he finished a game without touching the ball. His limited role raised questions about where he stands with Harbaugh and whether his fumbles have cost him the coach’s trust.
Former NFL running back Damien Harris believes the decision came down to Harbaugh’s expectations, especially when it comes to protecting the football.
Damien Harris Says Giants Have Lost Trust in Cam Skattebo
Speaking on “CBS Sports HQ,” Harris suggested that Skattebo’s recent struggles with ball security were the reason the Giants limited his role against the Saints.
“We talked about how ball security is job security in the National Football League. Not only did Cam Skattebo get benched today… he didn’t touch the football. Not one reception, not one rush. They don’t trust him with the football,” Harris began.
The former running back believes Harbaugh won’t overlook repeated mistakes, especially with the team trying to win games. Skattebo’s lack of involvement, he suggested, reflects the coach’s expectations rather than a simple change in the game plan.
While Skattebo brings a physical presence to the backfield, Harris believes he needs to take better care of the ball to earn a bigger role.
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“If he sees you as somebody who cannot be an asset for this football team, which Cam Skattebo can be, right? We talked about this. It’s not like he’s the best rusher, even in the division, right? But they’re going to need him for certain third-down situations, goal-line situations, four-minute offensive situations,” Harris continued.
“He can play a vital role on this team, but guess what? You can’t do that if you don’t hold on to the football.”
Skattebo currently ranks No. 34 in the league with a PFN RB Impact Score of 71.4. His rushing average has also dropped from 4.1 yards per carry in 2025 to 3.6 on 81 attempts in 2026, and he has yet to break off a run longer than 20 yards.
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However, limiting Skattebo’s role did little to improve the Giants’ rushing attack against the Saints. New York’s running backs combined for just 34 yards on 14 carries, struggling to get anything going on the ground.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the group with 18 yards on six carries, while Devin Singletary had 14 yards on four carries. Najee Harris managed just two yards on four carries.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy provided the team’s most productive rushing performance, gaining 26 yards on scrambles and designed runs.
Harbaugh addressed the situation in his post-game presser, saying, “It was not by design. All of those guys were taking equal reps in the first half. We were trying to see who could make something happen and get a hot hand and earn it. Nobody has really taken the bull by the horns.”
Harbaugh added that the coaching staff is going to give all four running backs “an equal shot, a chance, and see who got a hot hand maybe and keep going with it.”
The loss leaves the 3-2-1 Giants looking for answers ahead of their road matchup against the Houston Texans in Week 7.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.