New York Giants' Cam Skattebo is Primed for a Breakout Game

It hasn't been easy for New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo thus far this season.

After an impressive rookie campaign in which Skattebo captured the hearts of Giants fans everywhere before succumbing to a gruesome ankle injury eight games into the year, Skattebo established himself as New York's No. 1 back heading into 2026.

But at this point, his grip on the position is hanging on by a thread.

Skattebo has rushed for just 294 yards and a touchdown through five games, averaging a meager 3.6 yards per carry. He has also fumbled four times, including last week when his overtime turnover cost the Giants a win against the Washington Commanders.

The 24-year-old fumbled just once in 2025 and didn't have ball security issues in college, so this is something new for Skattebo.

But it's important to remember that the former fourth-round pick is essentially still a rookie, having played in just 13 NFL games thus far.

The good news? Skattebo has a brilliant opportunity to break out this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints are allowing 148.8 rushing yards per game this season, which ranks toward the bottom of the league. They are also allowing 4.9 yards per carry.

Enter Skattebo, who toted the rock 18 times for 81 yards and a touchdown in New York's season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys, but has largely been held in check ever since.

It should be noted that Skattebo was actually enjoying a tremendous drive in overtime versus the Commanders prior to the fumble, so perhaps the Arizona State product was already in the process of busting out of his slump.

But the fumble is where everyone is focused, and for good reason.

If Skattebo can't take care of the football, he will lose his job. Period. Especially considering Najee Harris has been one of the most reliable ball-carriers in the league in that regard.

Ironically enough, Harris put the ball on the ground the week prior, but that marked Harris' first fumble since 2023, and he has only fumbled six times since entering the NFL in 2020..

Harris is next in line to assume the role of featured back if Skattebo is unable to get his act together, but a shoddy Saints defense seems ripe for the taking this weekend.

The Giants are still trying to establish their rushing attack, which, in terms of efficiency, ranks among the league's worst through five weeks.

Taking that into consideration, I expect New York to try and get its ground game going early against New Orleans, and Skattebo will be at the center of it.