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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 over the weekend.
Skattebo is known for his backflips, especially after scoring touchdowns in 2026 and becoming a fan favorite in New York. However, seeing the Arizona State product slip while testing one raises some concern ahead of training camp next week.
Bob Papa and Carl Banks asked new Giants head coach John Harbaugh during their “Bleav in Giants” podcast how it felt to see Skattebo pull off such a stunt.
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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is shown warming 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 it 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, Dude, at least stay,” Harbaugh said.
“Land the thing if you’re going to.”
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Very good, coach.
Skattebo was having a good start to his rookie campaign, scoring seven total touchdowns and racking up 617 yards from scrimmage.
But during a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles, linebacker Zack Baun made a hip-drop tackle, which the NFL considers illegal, and Skattebo’s ankle became trapped underneath. The image was gruesome on video replay, as it was clear something was seriously wrong with the fourth-round draft pick’s ankle.
Skattebo’s season ended after that, while the Giants finished a lowly 4-13, leading to the firing of head coach Brian Daboll midseason.
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 Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on January 20, 2026. (Ed Mulholland/Image Images)
But Skattebo’s rehab clearly worked, as he was confident enough to try the backflip, if you’re a glass-half-full type of person.
“Skat will be ready to go,” Harbaugh added. “He’s been working really hard. He’s really been training like crazy. His mind is on camp. He’s healthy. He’s ready to roll and I can’t wait to see him in practice.”
Giants fans are eager to see Skattebo and an entirely new team under Harbaugh this season. Not only does Skattebo return, but the running game gets a big boost with former Baltimore Ravens defensive back Patrick Ricard joining his former head coach in New York.
The Giants also made sure to bolster the trenches, selecting Miami’s Francis Mauigoa 10th overall, as well as re-signing Jermaine Eluemunor to be their right tackle opposite Andrew Thomas following 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 Oct. 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 wide 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 get the team back into playoff contention.
Since 2016, the Giants have only been able to make the playoffs twice, most recently in 2022 in Daboll’s first season as head coach.
