Last week, New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh was under fire for seemingly benching Cam Skattebo during a loss to the New Orleans Saints. This week, Harbaugh was vindicated.
Skattebo took a seat in Week 6 because in Week 5, his fumble in overtime was a big reason why the Giants didn’t beat the Washington Commanders. While Harbaugh didn’t confirm outright that Skattebo was benched for the fumble, all indications were that the head coach wanted to discipline the running back.
Harbaugh took some heat from fans who believed Skattebo could’ve helped the Giants win in Week 6, but Harbaugh’s decision paid off in a big way in Week 7. With the Giants on the road against the Houston Texans, Skattebo’s contributions were a huge reason why the Giants pulled off the upset.
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Cam Skattebo rolls vs. Texans
- Rushes: 17
- Rushing yards: 124
- Touchdowns: 1
Skattebo returned to the lineup on Sunday, as the Giants once again made him the center of their running game. In turn, Skattebo produced his best game of the season so far, surpassing 100 yards on the ground for the first time in 2026.
The most important run of the day for Skattebo was his last one, as he ran 42 yards into Texans territory to set up the Giants’ game-winning touchdown. It was direct redemption from his overtime mistake two weeks ago.
SKATTEBO BREAKS FREE FOR 42 YARDS NYGvsHOU on FOX/FOX One Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/CqU4A2DpOE
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2026
Skattebo’s touchdown earlier in the game, though, was also a major highlight and showed how big and physical he can play.
Skattebo breaks through tackles and finds the end zone for the lead in Houston NYGvsHOU on FOX/FOX One Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/m5QSAcKwT6
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2026
This performance came at the perfect time, as the Giants have been linked to running backs in the trade market ahead of the trade deadline. Harbaugh even said that he wants someone in the running back room to step up and take the job.
Now, the Giants are in first place in the NFC East with the rest of the division limping in the early going, and it’s possible Skattebo has found a new gear.
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