The New York Giants suddenly have one of the most intriguing running back competitions in the NFL after adding former Pro Bowler Najee Harris to a room that already featured Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.
Despite Harris’ arrival, early indications suggest Skattebo is still leading the race for the starting job under head coach John Harbaugh. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan highlighted just how much the second-year back has impressed throughout the summer, even after returning from a serious ankle injury that ended his rookie season.
“Cam Skattebo has been the first running back up most days at practice this summer (including at Thursday’s joint practice) and was the starter in the Giants’ preseason opener Saturday even though he is coming off an open fracture of his right ankle.”
Who will be Giants RB1?
Cam Skattebo’s emergence is especially notable considering the Giants’ decision to bring in Najee Harris this week. The former Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers running back has extensive experience as a lead back and was signed to provide a proven option in the backfield.
However, his arrival does not necessarily mean the Giants intend to push Skattebo aside. Harris is still working his way back into football shape following his Achilles injury, while Skattebo has already established himself as one of the team’s most consistent backs during camp.
Will Najee Harris become Giants starting running back?
Jordan Raanan did add an important caveat to the Skattebo situation. Harris did not sign with the Giants expecting to become a fourth-string running back, and his experience suggests the team views him as more than just insurance.
“But Harris isn’t joining the Giants to be the fourth option behind Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. He was brought in under the premise that he’s going to be a significant contributor, even though a source told ESPN he signed a one-year minimum salary $1.215 million deal with no guaranteed money.”
That creates an interesting dynamic for Harbaugh. Skattebo appears to have the momentum and has earned the first opportunities at practice, but Harris has already proven he can handle a substantial workload at the NFL level.
NY Giants face tough RB1 decision ahead of 2026 season
Before his Achilles injury with the Chargers, Najee Harris had four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Steelers, making him a much more formidable addition than a typical depth signing.
For now, Cam Skattebo has the clearest claim to the RB1 role, but the Giants could still use multiple backs heavily once the regular season begins. Tracy and Singletary remain experienced options, while Harris could gradually see his workload increase as he gets fully healthy.
The biggest takeaway is that Skattebo has not lost his position atop the competition despite the veteran addition — and his performance throughout the summer may have already forced New York to build their backfield around him rather than around Harris.
