New York Giants coach John Harbaugh nearly lost running back Cam Skattebo before the 2026 season even started.
Skattebo, the 105th overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, had 410 rushing yards, 207 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns as a rookie for the Giants. His first year as a pro was ultimately cut short due to an open tibia fracture and right ankle dislocation.
While at Fanatics Fest last Saturday, the second-year running back for the Giants tried to pull off a backflip in front of a sold-out crowd. Unfortunately for Skattebo, he lost his balance on the landing and nearly injured his surgically repaired right ankle.
During an appearance on the "Bleav in Giants" podcast, Harbaugh shared his thoughts on Skattebo's nearly-catastrophic flip.
"My reaction was — I haven’t talked to him yet, I’m going to talk to him I’m sure. My reaction was this: Dude, at least stick it. I mean, land the thing if you’re going to do it, you know? That was my first reaction," Harbaugh said, via Pro Football Talk. "But Skat’s going to be ready to go. He’s been working super hard. He has really been training like crazy. And his mind is on camp. He’s healthy, he’s ready to roll, and I can’t wait to see him out there at practice."
What's the latest on Skattebo?
Skattebo, who is expected to be a full participant at training camp, promised Harbaugh and the Giants that he won't hurt himself before the season begins. However, he's not going to change his ways.
"I'm just going to keep being me, and if they want to say I'm brain-dead, and I don't have no brain, then who cares, [expletive] it," Skattebo said.
The Giants are going to need Skattebo to pick up where he left off if they're going to have success this fall.
Harbaugh's squad will begin their 2026 campaign on Sept. 13 against the Dallas Cowboys.