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New York Giants fans held their collective breath when second-year running back Cam Skattebo, whose rookie season ended after a dislocated ankle, slipped while attempting a backflip at Fanatics Fest this weekend.
Skattebo is known for his backflips, especially after scoring touchdowns in 2026 while becoming a fan favorite in New York. However, seeing the Arizona State product slip during tryout raises some concerns heading into next week’s training camp.
Bob Papa and Carl Banks asked new Giants head coach John Harbaugh during their “Bleav in Giants” podcast how he felt seeing Skattebo pull such a stunt.
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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo warms up before the game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles on October 26, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“My reaction when I saw him on my phone? My reaction was – I haven’t talked to him yet, I’m going to talk to him, I’m sure – my reaction was: Man, at least stay,” Harbaugh said.
“Land the thing if you’re going to.”
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Very good, coach.
Skattebo was off to a strong start to his rookie campaign, scoring seven total touchdowns and racking up 617 yards from scrimmage.
But in a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles, linebacker Zack Baun made a hip tackle, which the NFL deems illegal, and Skattebo’s ankle got trapped underneath. The image was horrific on video replay, as it was clear that something was seriously wrong with the fourth-round pick’s ankle.
Skattebo’s season ended after that, while the Giants finished a modest 4–13, leading to the firing of head coach Brian Daboll midway through the season.
John Harbaugh poses after a press conference announcing his hiring as the next head coach of the New York Giants at the Quest Diagnostics training facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey on January 20, 2026. (Ed Mulholland/Imagn Images)
But Skattebo’s rehab clearly worked, as he was confident enough to attempt the backflip – that’s if you’re the glass-half-full type.
“Skat is going to be ready to go,” Harbaugh added. “He’s worked really hard. He’s really trained like crazy. His mind is focused on camp. He’s healthy. He’s ready to roll and I can’t wait to see him in practice.”
Giants fans can’t wait to see Skattebo and a completely new team under Harbaugh this season. Not only does Skattebo return, but the running game gets a huge boost with former Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard joining his former head coach in New York.
The Giants also made sure to strengthen the trenches, drafting Miami’s Francis Mauigoa 10th overall and re-signing Jermaine Eluemunor to be their right tackle opposite Andrew Thomas after a successful first year in New York for the former Las Vegas Raiders lineman.
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo warms up before a Thursday Night Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 9, 2025. (Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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From tight end Isaiah Likely to a plethora of free agent receivers, including the return of Odell Beckham Jr. in Giants blue, this is a team that will be in the national spotlight as observers watch to see if Harbaugh can put the team back in playoff contention.
Since 2016, the Giants have only been able to reach the playoffs twice, most recently in 2022 in Daboll’s first season as head coach.
