According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, both Nabers and Skattebo logged a full practice on Friday and are expected to play vs Commanders. This is great news for the Giants, who at 3-1, could make a huge leap towards the NFC East title with a win here, despite this just being Week 5.

Nabers dealt with knee soreness throughout the week and given that he is playing after an ACL tear and subsequent knee surgery, the Giants could’ve erred on the side of caution. However, it seems like the star wideout will suit up.

What was Skattebo dealing with?

Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed the injury update on Skattebo denying he was in concussion protocol. The injury report stated that Skattebo was dealing with a shoulder injury, but he should also be ready to go at full force.

Skattebo is the leading running back on this roster, though his efficiency hasn’t been great. In fact, John Harbaugh detailed what OC Matt Nagy needs to improve to make Skattebo an even better weapon.

Nabers and Skattebo are the Giants’ offensive soul

Both are certified heroes for the Giants and both are on their rookie deals. Hence, Nabers and Skattebo are the guys who the Giants lean on to produce the goods offensively. It’s even more needed now that Jaxson Dart is injured and the team has Jameis Winston under center.

Key takeaways

• Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo logged full Friday practices ahead of Week 5.
• Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Skattebo was dealing with a shoulder injury.
• Skattebo remains the leading running back on the Giants’ roster.

Nabers is coming off a standout performance in the Giants’ 36-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, finishing with six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. However, the wide receiver missed Wednesday’s practice because of a knee issue, raising concerns about his availability as New York looks to extend its winning streak.

Cam Skattebo also appeared on the injury report with a shoulder issue, although his situation was less concerning initially because he participated in a limited capacity. The Giants will continue monitoring both players as they determine whether their key offensive contributors will be ready to face Washington.

Which Giants players are on the injury report?

Malik Nabers was listed as a nonparticipant on Wednesday because of his knee, the same one he injured last season. He returned to practice on Thursday in a limited capacity, providing an encouraging sign for the Giants. Skattebo, meanwhile, was limited on both Wednesday and Thursday with a shoulder injury, leaving his status worth monitoring as the team approaches Sunday’s game.

Several other Giants players are also dealing with injuries. Defensive lineman Chauncey Golston missed practice with a neck injury, while safety Jason Pinnock remained sidelined because of a concussion. Offensive tackle Andrew Thomas, who is dealing with a groin injury, missed Wednesday’s session but returned in a limited capacity Thursday. Running back Najee Harris was initially absent for personal reasons.

Tight end Isaiah Likely was limited with a knee/groin issue, while fellow tight end Chris Manhertz was limited because of a shoulder injury. Cornerback Deonte Banks, who has been dealing with a calf issue, and offensive lineman Bryan Hudson, listed with an ankle injury, were full participants on Wednesday. Their participation gives the Giants some positive developments amid several injury concerns.

Nabers’ progress will remain particularly important after his impact against Arizona, as the Giants need his ability to create explosive plays in the passing game. Skattebo’s availability could also affect the team’s offensive balance, especially with New York looking to maintain its 3-1 start. The Giants’ next injury reports should provide a clearer picture of which players are on track to suit up against the Commanders.

Key takeaways

• Malik Nabers missed Wednesday practice due to a knee issue before returning Thursday limited.
• Cam Skattebo was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a shoulder injury.
• Jason Pinnock remained sidelined from Giants practice due to a concussion.

Those concerns were understandable because Skattebo also appeared on the Giants’ injury report as a limited participant. However, the official report listed a shoulder injury as the reason for his limited participation, not a concussion, giving important context to his appearance in the red jersey.

Skattebo’s presence in the red jersey still caught the attention of reporters, particularly because the running back has become an important part of the Giants’ offense. Harbaugh was therefore asked directly whether there was anything more serious behind the decision to keep Skattebo out of contact during Thursday’s practice.

Is Cam Skattebo in concussion protocol?

John Harbaugh explained that Cam Skattebo was practicing without contact, which was the reason he was wearing the red jersey. The coach was then asked whether there was anything else going on with the running back. “Yeah, he’s practiced without his jersey, with no contact today. That’s what was going on.”

That led to the most important question of the exchange: whether Skattebo was in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Harbaugh initially explained that a player cannot simply practice normally while going through the protocol, before clarifying that Skattebo was not in the protocol.

“No, you can’t, you’re not allowed to do that. Can’t practice at all through the protocol. I mean, you could, yeah, you’re talking about if he’s in the stage of the protocol where he’s no contact, yeah. No, he’s not.”

The clarification should ease concerns surrounding Skattebo’s status for Sunday’s game against Washington. His limited participation was officially attributed to a shoulder issue with the Giants, while the red jersey was simply being used to keep him out of contact during practice.

Skattebo’s practice participation will continue to be monitored before Sunday, but there is currently no indication that he is dealing with a concussion. For now, the Giants’ running back remains focused on managing the shoulder issue as New York prepares for the Week 5 game.

Key takeaways

• Cam Skattebo wore a red non-contact jersey during New York Giants practice.
• The Giants’ official injury report listed a shoulder injury for Cam Skattebo.
• Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Cam Skattebo is not in concussion protocol.

For instance, the Giants are not 1-0, they are 2-1. Secondly, the Giants actually were 1-0 at a time and no one saw them wearing the shirts. Hence, it was a puzzling situation.

However, Jordan Raanan of ESPN stated that it was the wild RB Cam Skattebo the one to bring answers to all the questions. Skattebo said the 1-0 t-shirts represent taking things one week at a time. Hence, all the focus is on the Arizona Cardinals. No trap games, no look-ahead spots, just next Sunday.

The shirt alludes to a huge problem in the NFL

Look-ahead spots are as common as grass in the NFL. It’s a weekly thing, especially for teams with winning records. After all, if a team is winning and faces a bad team, followed by a game against another top-notch franchise, they will naturally overlook the ‘easy‘ matchup to start focusing on the ‘barnburner‘.

And, time and time again, we’ve seen those ‘trap games‘ occur, and many times those teams fall twice. The trap game and the barnburner both end in defeat. Hence, Harbaugh and the Giants are actively trying to avoid that scenario.

The NY Giants have a massive test ahead

After moving way too many pieces in the offseason, the Giants have quite a lot of hype around them. The hype only incremented after winning a divisional rivalry game in Week 1 on primetime. However, Week 2 saw their franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart suffer a season-ending knee injury. Hence, now they have to validate all the hype with backup quarterback Jameis Winston.

Despite trading for JJ McCarthy, Winston is still poised to start. However, Winston is a careless passer, and a baffling decision-maker. Pair that with a tough schedule ahead, and this season could end up being an uphill battle for the G-Men.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh wore a “1-0” t-shirt during Week 4 preparations.
• Running back Cam Skattebo explained the t-shirts symbolize taking the season one week at a time.
• Quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2.

The postgame of New York‘s fine-margin, too-close-for-comfort triumph over Tennessee was very revealing. On the one hand, John Harbaugh confirmed Jameis Winston’s Week 4 decision after the ugly win. On the other hand, Skattebo had a bold reminder for his former head coach, Daboll, who returned to MetLife Stadium as offensive coordinator for the Titans.

“That was a great win. A year ago, we lose that game 100 per cent. This year we were able to pull through,” Skattebo said during his postgame media availability, via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.

Although Skattebo didn’t directly name Daboll, he may not have needed to do so. The fact that he voiced such a statement after facing former head coach Daboll, and that he wasn’t the only Giants player to say something along those lines, may have given away everything there was to know about the real intentions behind the message.

Other Giants agree with Skattebo

Skattebo wasn’t alone in pointing out just how much this Giants team has matured since the disappointing 2025 NFL season, in which Daboll was fired after a 2-8 start and replaced by interim head coach Mike Kafka.

“We lose that game last year. No question. There’s no debate. We lose that game. But we didn’t,” Jermaine Eluemunor said postgame, according to Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com.

Whether the players in East Rutherford believe John Harbaugh’s culture-changing arrival deserves credit or Daboll’s tenure deserves to be blamed, it doesn’t matter. What’s clear is that the mood has all changed in New York, and the G-Men are happy they’ve left the losing-culture days behind.

Another rough outing for Daboll and the Titans

In what was yet another head-scratching performance from former first overall pick quarterback Cam Ward, the Titans couldn’t get much done during their visit to the rainy Meadowlands. Just when the offense could get some heat under its tires and reach the red zone, Tennessee stalled.

If it wasn’t for (another former Giant) Wan’Dale Robinson’s touchdown grab, the Titans could’ve been blanked by New York. Needless to say, the sophomore quarterback must bear a big percentage of the blame, but OC Daboll isn’t off the hook whatsoever.

The Titans walked away from MetLife Stadium with a total of 262 yards (181 passing and 81 rushing) and their third loss in as many games in the 2026 NFL season. Tennessee has now lost five straight games going back to last year.

Still, the Titans’ last two losses were in one-possession, last-play-decided games against NFC East rivals. They were one better throw from Ward away from stealing an improbable win in New York. As much as the Giants are enjoying their victory lap around Daboll, the close encounter should serve as a reminder.

Key takeaways

• Cam Skattebo noted New York would have lost a game like this last year.
• Brian Daboll was replaced after a 2-8 start during the 2025 season.
• Tennessee fell to 0-3 in 2026 after generating 262 total yards against New York.

Sean McVay’s team has Pro Bowler Kyren Williams leading the Rams’ RB room. We’re talking about a trusted weapon for Matthew Stafford, who’s leading the Rams QB depth chart against the Giants. Williams is followed by Blake Corum and, a little further down the depth chart, Ronnie Rivers.

What about the G-Men? Cam Skattebo emerges as Jaxson Dart’s main weapon for breaking down opposing defenses. As the primary alternative at running back, Devin Singletary appears on the depth chart, with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Najee Harris further down the list on the Giants RB room.

Williams’ numbers in Melbourne

Kyren Williams had a pretty quiet night down under as the Rams stumbled to a 27-7 blowout loss against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne. With SF’s defense completely locking down the game, Williams was held to just 41 rushing yards on 11 carries (averaging 3.7 yards per carry).

He did manage to punch in Los Angeles‘ lone touchdown of the game on a high-stepping goal-line run, and added 3 receptions for 24 yards through the air, but he simply didn’t get enough volume or room to operate as the Rams fell behind early and had to abandon the run.

Skattebo has already made his mark for the Giants

Cam Skattebo set the tone early in the Giants’ 28-20 Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, delivering a tough, physical performance. Taking on a heavy workload as New York’s primary back, Skattebo churned out 81 rushing yards on 18 carries (averaging 4.5 yards per carry) and punched in a goal-line touchdown to help build the Giants’ lead.

While he did cough up a fumble, New York recovered, and his relentless running style kept Dallas’ front seven on its heels all night—especially during a brutal 5-minute, game-ending drive that completely froze out the Cowboys from any chance at a comeback.

Key takeaways

• The Rams host the Giants at SoFi Stadium for MNF in Week 2.
• Kyren Williams and Cam Skattebo serve as their teams’ RB1s.
• Williams averaged 3.7 yards per carry while Skattebo averaged 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1.

The Giants relied heavily on their physical approach against Dallas, and Skattebo was one of the biggest beneficiaries. He found room to run behind an offensive line that consistently attacked downhill and worked to reach the second level against the Cowboys’ defense.

However, Skattebo also knows the group cannot be satisfied after just one game. While he praised the offensive line’s overall performance, the running back acknowledged that there were several plays where the execution was not where it needed to be.

Cam Skattebo praises Giants offensive line

Cam Skattebo was asked about his experience running behind the Giants’ offensive line against Dallas and made it clear that he enjoyed the physical style New York brought to the game. He also credited the blockers for doing their jobs and creating opportunities for the running backs.

“I was pleased. It was physical. It was downhill. I enjoyed it. I’m not too sore. The guys up front did their job. They took care of the four down guys and then got to the next level and did a good job doing that. So, I was pleased with it.”

That praise is significant because the Giants are trying to establish a more physical identity under John Harbaugh. Skattebo’s running style fits naturally into that approach, and the RB clearly appreciated the way the offensive line attacked the Cowboys’ defensive front.

Still, Skattebo did not pretend everything was perfect. Even after describing the performance as a positive one, he acknowledged that there were moments when the Giants’ execution broke down and left him wondering what had happened on a particular play.

Giants O-line has room to improve

Cam Skattebo was particularly candid when discussing those mistakes, making it clear that he believes the offensive line can become even better as the season progresses.

“I know we can get better. There were some plays where like, ‘Holy cow, what are we doing?’ But those guys, they’re professionals. They’re going to fix it. They’re going to get better. I’m going to fix my track. I’m going to get better at my stuff. I mean, they did a great job. So, I’m excited to continue to do it.”

That comment provides an interesting glimpse into how Skattebo evaluates the running game. He was not simply pointing the finger at the offensive line; in fact, he immediately included himself in the areas that need improvement. Cam understands that successful runs depend on both the blockers executing their assignments and the running back following the correct track.

That will become even more important against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. Skattebo believes the Giants’ offensive line already showed enough against Dallas to give him confidence, but he also knows that better execution will be necessary as the competition gets tougher. His message is clear: the performance was good, but the Giants’ running game has another level to reach.

Donald has not played in a regular-season game since the end of the 2023 season before announcing his retirement. After spending more than two years away from the NFL, the future Hall of Fame defensive tackle returned to the Rams this offseason and has been working toward making his comeback.

That possibility has naturally caught the attention of Skattebo. The Giants running back knows exactly what Donald represents, but he also understands that the Rams star has not played an NFL game in a long time. Skattebo’s message ahead of Monday night’s matchup was filled with respect, but he made it clear he will not back down if the two players meet on the field.

Cam Skattebo’s message to Aaron Donald

Cam Skattebo was asked about the possibility of facing Aaron Donald and immediately acknowledged the challenge of going against a player who dominated the NFL for years. At the same time, the star RB pointed out that Donald will have to deal with the same reality as everyone else if Monday night becomes his first game back.

“He’s had a couple of years off. I’m sure he’s ready to go and he’s excited to play, but he’s still got to play football. He hasn’t practiced a ton. He hasn’t played in a game yet or played a ton. So, if it is his first game, he’s got to be ready for it, just like we do. I’m excited to play against him.”

Skattebo’s comments are not meant as disrespect toward Donald, but they’re definitely a challenge. In fact, Cam made it clear that he understands the magnitude of potentially sharing the field with one of the best defensive linemen to ever play the game.

“He’s one of the best to ever do it. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be a good challenge. If I have to meet him in the hole on 3rd and 1, so be it. I gotta get one yard. He’s a good player. All respect to him.”

Cam Skattebo is ready for Aaron Donald

The final part of Skattebo’s answer captures his approach perfectly. Even if Donald is lined up across from him in one of the most physical situations possible, Cam is focused on accomplishing his assignment rather than worrying about the name on the other side.

That could make Monday night’s matchup particularly intriguing if Donald receives enough snaps to make an impact. Skattebo emerged as an important part of the Giants’ offense in Week 1, and his physical running style could eventually put him directly into situations where he has to challenge Donald at the line of scrimmage.

For Skattebo, however, the equation is simple. He has enormous respect for what Donald accomplished throughout his career, but if the Rams defensive tackle is finally back on the field and the Giants need one yard on third down, he is prepared to run directly at the challenge.

In addition to Skattebo, the Giants’ running back depth chart to face the Cowboys includes seasoned staples Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. According to the Giants’ official depth chart, Skattebo is the main running back, but the duo of Singletary, and Tracy Jr. has no particular order. According to Big Blue Film Room, Tracy Jr. will be RB2, at least in Week 1.

Perhaps it will be a battle royale to determine who gets the snaps after Skattebo. Maybe they can even contend to become Harbaugh’s primary option in the backfield. For the time being, it seems Skattebo will get the nod. Based on his promising-yet-cut-short rookie year, his leash may not be short.

• Cam Skattebo
• Tyrone Tracy Jr.
• Devin Singletary

Najee Harris is inactive

Although his addition to the roster made headlines during the offseason and his presence raised eyebrows around Skattebo’s role, Najee Harris has been left off the active roster for Week 1’s Sunday night showdown against the Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.

“Najee Harris among the Giants inactives,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported. WR Dalen Cambre, TE Thomas Fidone, OT JC Davis, DT Bobby Jamison-Travis, CB Nic Jones, and S Jason Pinnock complete the list. Learning Malik Nabers isn’t on the inactives list confirms he will make his return against Dallas.

The decision was surprising, as many expected Harris to play a big role right away with New York. Instead, Harbaugh will opt to give Harris more time to acclimate himself to his playbook. The Giants will roll into Week 1 with the same trio that led the way last season, while Harris won’t play against the Cowboys.

Cowboys’ RB depth chart for Week 1

As for the Cowboys, Javonte Williams will lead the pack as the starting running back. Their other options in the backfield will be Emari Demercado and Israel Abanikanda. Dallas’ running back room doesn’t have as many question marks as New York’s, in the sense that it’s clear Williams will run the show.

• Javonte Williams
• Emari Demercado
• Israel Abanikanda

“Cam Skattebo listed as the top running back with Tyrone Tracy Jr. OR Najee Harris OR Devin Singletary next,” the insider stated on X. Only a few days remain until the G-Men’s season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, and it remains to be seen what decision John Harbaugh will make regarding the situation.

Najee Harris’ physical condition puts him in good shape for Week 1, although his role remains uncertain. As the days go by, the coaching staff will make a final call on who will serve as Skattebo’s backup in the running game.

Skattebo’s return to the field

Cam Skattebo’s comeback for the 2026 season has been nothing short of a miracle. The RB saw his breakout rookie year abruptly crushed back in Week 8 of the 2025 season against the Philadelphia Eagles.

During the second quarter, he suffered a horrifying right ankle injury—a dislocation paired with a fractured fibula and torn ligaments—when his leg got caught awkwardly under a tackle. It was such a painful and devastating blow that he even admitted to contemplating retirement during the early weeks of his brutal rehabilitation.

What decision will Harbaugh make?

Heading into SNF, John Harbaugh has a versatile toolbelt to complement Cam Skattebo in the backfield, with each RB2 candidate offering a distinct flavor for the Giants’ offense. Tyrone Tracy Jr. brings explosive dual-threat ability as a former wide receiver, giving Harbaugh a dynamic passing-down weapon who can stretch the defense in space.

Najee Harris gives the offense a bruising 240-pound power runner built for short-yardage and goal-line situations, fitting Harbaugh’s preference for heavy, physical backs. Meanwhile, Devin Singletary serves as the steady veteran who knows the system inside out, offering high-level pass protection and dependable baseline execution.

Any of these three options appear to be efficient and more than capable for Harbaugh. Depending on how the game against America’s Team unfolds, Giants’ coaching staff, alongside Matt Nagy, will make the final decision.

The incident quickly generated speculation that Harbaugh was unhappy with Skattebo and could have had a serious conversation with his young running back. Harbaugh had previously acknowledged the incident, while general manager Joe Schoen also expressed a preference for Skattebo to avoid unnecessary risks while preparing for the season. That created the impression that the Giants wanted their breakout running back to be more cautious away from the football field.

However, Skattebo’s latest explanation offers a different perspective on what actually happened behind the scenes. During an interview with Rich Eisen, the Giants running back revealed that Harbaugh did not initially confront him after the incident. Instead, Schoen reached out directly, with the team’s message focused primarily on keeping Skattebo healthy and ready for the upcoming season.

What happened between Cam Skattebo and John Harbaugh with NY Giants?

Cam Skattebo was asked what he could share about the conversation he had with John Harbaugh following the controversial backflip. His response suggested that the Giants’ concerns were less about punishing him for the incident and more about reminding him that his health needed to be the priority with the season approaching.

“Actually, Harbaugh didn’t even talk to me. Joe Schoen texted me and he was like: ‘Let’s lay low for a little bit.’ Just kind of reassuring me that, hey, the season’s coming up, we need you healthy, make sure that you’re in a good spot to be ready to play football.”

Skattebo also explained that the Giants’ front office already understood that he was not intentionally putting his health at risk. From his perspective, the organization knew that he would only participate in activities that he considered comfortable and would not deliberately do something that could seriously jeopardize his recovery or his ability to play football.

“He knows I’m not going to do anything to harm my body and I’m only going to do things that are comfortable for me. So, it was less of a ‘Hey, you need to do this’ and more of like a ‘Hey, just look out for yourself and make sure that you’re healthy.'”

Cam Skattebo’s controversy with NY Giants

That account makes the situation sound considerably less like a serious dispute between Cam Skattebo and the Giants. Schoen’s message appears to have been more of a reminder that the running back’s health was too important to jeopardize, particularly after he had already endured a major injury during his rookie season.

Skattebo also revealed that Harbaugh did eventually ask him about the backflip. According to the running back, the conversation was relatively simple, with the Giants coach wanting to know what happened and why Skattebo failed to complete the maneuver.

The exchange ultimately appears to have influenced Skattebo’s approach to doing similar stunts in the future. “He asked me about it. He asked me why I didn’t land it. I’m going to slowly go away from the backflips because people don’t like them.”