There are several things about today’s NFL that players, coaches, and fans don’t really like. Even though everybody is in favor of protecting players’ health, it’s still worth noting how the league is actively taking away much of the contact and aggressive nature of the sport. If there’s one player known for his aggressiveness, it’s definitely Skattebo, who won’t think twice before rushing headfirst into a brick wall if that gives his Giants even the slightest chance of winning.

Even after being called for an eyebrow-raising penalty against Houston that went viral on social media, New York’s RB1 made it clear that he isn’t changing his play style anytime soon. If that means he will have to pay NFL fines week in and week out, fattening the league’s pockets while thinning his own, so be it.

“The NFL loves to post me when I do stuff like that but then also wants to take stuff from me,” Skattebo stated postgame, via CBS Sports. “I’m going to run the ball like I want to run the ball. If I’m going to continue to get flags for it or fined for it, guess I’m going to play for free.”

Skattebo didn’t lie

Skattebo is a big personality both on and off the field, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the NFL. The league constantly promotes him and his incredible plays, which usually involve him overpowering another competitor. In fact, his allegedly illegal truck against Texans safety M.J. Stewart was still posted on social media and got hundreds of thousands of views.

He won’t change his ways, whether the NFL praises his work on social media or referees throw flags against him. Either way, Skattebo will be Skattebo.

Skattebo’s stats vs Texans

Coming off a week of uncertainty, with reports all but confirming that the Giants could trade for Jonathan Taylor or another running back to take over as the lead back in East Rutherford, Skattebo heard it all, didn’t say a word to stir up drama, and did his talking on the gridiron.

Against a suffocating defense like the Texans’, despite their less-than-stellar start to the 2026 NFL season, Skattebo had one of the best games of his career. Not only did he set a career high for longest run twice during the 27-21 win over Houston, but he also finished the game with 124 yards and a touchdown, breaking three tackles en route to the end zone.

Skattebo re-claims RB1 role

Moreover, his 17 carries, compared with Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s six and Devin Singletary’s five, confirm that he’s back as the lead ball carrier in John Harbaugh and Matt Nagy’s offense. Perhaps all he needed was the wake-up call that came with the possibility of being benched in Week 6 and having his future with the organization called into question throughout the week. Just as expected, Skattebo delivered when he needed to most.

NY Giants: first place in NFC East

The Giants improved to 4-2-1, remain atop the NFC East, and head into a strategically timed midseason bye week in far better spirits than they had entering Week 7. They have Skattebo’s monstrous outing, a strong performance from the running back room as a whole, and a cool, calm, and collected first start from J.J. McCarthy to thank for that.

So keep the fines and flags coming, because Skattebo isn’t going to stop running over people. And if drawing a penalty is the only way teams can stop him, then the rest of the NFL will be in for long, painful outings against Skattebo and the Giants.

Key takeaways

• Cam Skattebo criticized the NFL over his unnecessary roughness penalty following the New York Giants’ win.
• Cam Skattebo totaled 124 yards and a touchdown in the New York Giants’ 27-21 victory.
• The New York Giants improved to 4-2-1 to hold first place in the NFC East.

McCarthy earned the nod after rallying the offense and displaying elite poise in the pocket during last Sunday’s comeback push. Harbaugh noted that McCarthy has mastered the offensive installation and gives the 3-2-1 Giants the highest ceiling to execute their game plan down the stretch. Facing a fast Houston defense led by edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., McCarthy’s mobility, quick processing, and arm strength will be central to New York’s game plan.

With a streamlined backfield featuring Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo behind him, the coaching staff is confident in McCarthy’s ability to command the huddle and distribute the football efficiently in a tough road environment.

Who is the Giants’ backup QB?

With McCarthy officially taking over the starting role, veteran quarterback Jameis Winston shifts into the backup QB position for the Giants. Winston, who filled in as the starter over the previous four games following Jaxson Dart’s injury, moves to QB2 on the depth chart.

Despite losing the starting spot, Winston immediately accepted his new role with veteran leadership, expressing full commitment to supporting McCarthy and keeping the unit prepared.

Will J.J. McCarthy start for Giants vs Texans?

Yes. Elevating J.J. McCarthy allows offensive coordinator Matt Nagy to expand the playbook with more RPO concepts, bootlegs, and downfield play-action passes. McCarthy’s ability to throw on the run creates vertical mismatches for receivers like Malik Nabers, giving New York a more dynamic offensive identity against Houston.

If McCarthy protects the football and avoids costly early-down sacks, his official debut as QB1 provides the Giants with a strong blueprint to stay atop the competitive NFC East.

Key takeaways

• J.J. McCarthy is playing today and making his official debut as QB1 for the NY Giants against the Houston Texans.
• Head coach John Harbaugh promoted McCarthy to starter based on his strong Week 6 outing and command of the offense.
• Jameis Winston steps into the QB2 role, offering experienced leadership and support on the sideline.

“It’s a good problem to have. I know a lot of people probably want a lot of the guys we have on our team right now,” Ryans revealed to the press regarding his crowded WR room. Dell’s return is a significant boost for a team that is on the rise.

How much playing time Dell will get at NRG Stadium against the Giants remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the receiver himself made it clear that simply being back on the field alongside his teammates is already a reason to celebrate.

“I don’t care if the first catch is 2 yards, 5 yards—I’m spiking the ball and doing what I gotta do. It’s gonna feel good. … I’m ready to get tackled. I’m gonna be joyful,” Dell stated during his press conference.

Dell’s long awaited return

Tank Dell suffered a gruesome left knee injury late in the 2024 season—specifically during Week 16 on December 21, 2024, while playing for the Texans against the Kansas City Chiefs. He dislocated his kneecap and tore multiple major ligaments, which required a second corrective procedure in early 2025 and forced him to sit out the entire 2025 season.

That game against Kansas City was actually the last time he played an official NFL game, as he spent the start of the 2026 season on injured reserve before finally making his way back to active game action this week against the New York Giants.

Top-tier receivers for Ryans

If there is one area of the field where the Texans can feel confident, it is their passing game. C.J. Stroud has several quality options at his disposal to break down opposing defenses through the air, with Nico Collins perhaps serving as the team’s top target.

Jaylin Noel and recently acquired Marvin Harrison are the other two main options on the depth chart. Dell joins a receiving corps that also features Xavier Hutchinson and Kayshon Boutte as additional alternatives.

Key takeaways

• Tank Dell has been activated to the Houston Texans’ roster against the New York Giants.
• Tank Dell declared he is ready to get tackled and joyful to play again.
• Tank Dell suffered a knee injury against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 21, 2024.

Holland, who was initially designated as questionable on Friday after turning in limited practices, failed to clear the NFL‘s concussion protocol in time for kickoff. According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, he has officially been ruled out. His absence comes at a brutal time for head coach John Harbaugh‘s squad, which is already severely undermanned across the defensive side of the ball.

Losing Holland removes the primary playmaker from New York’s secondary. After all, the free safety earned NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors in September. He was anchoring the backfield with exceptional instincts, turnovers, and reliable tackling.

NY Giants safety depth chart vs Texans in Week 7

With Holland sidelined, the Giants must lean heavily on their rotational depth to patch together the back end of the secondary. Now, veteran Jason Pinnock and Elijah Washington are in line for expanded roles at free safety to replace Holland’s duties.

The challenge is magnified by injuries across the defensive lineup. Cornerback Greg Newsome is also unable to play and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds also ruled out for the season. Hence, New York’s safety tandem faces significant pressure to manage communication and provide over-the-top support.

Texans passing offense can harm a diminished NY Giants secondary

Houston’s explosive passing attack should expose a thinned-out defensive backfield. CJ Stroud excels at challenging intermediate holes and attacking deep safeties with anticipatory throws. This becomes far easier without an elite ball-hawk like Holland down the middle.

If the Texans establish a rhythm early, New York’s reshuffled secondary could struggle to contain Houston’s perimeter playmakers. Without Holland, the Giants risk giving up chunk plays throughout the game.

Key takeaways

• Jevon Holland has officially been ruled out for the Giants against the Houston Texans.
• Jevon Holland won NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors during the month of September.
• New York Giants cornerback Greg Newsome is also unable to play in Week 7.

Harbaugh strongly endorsed Tyrone Tracy Jr., confirming he has earned a larger share of touches moving forward. When asked directly whether Tracy had shown enough over the past few weeks to warrant more carries and offensive snaps, Harbaugh offered a succinct, definitive answer: “Yes.”

Harbaugh elaborated on what has set the former Purdue playmaker apart as he has fought his way back up the depth chart. “He’s practicing well. He’s been right on with his assignments, and I think it’s the physical nature, the way he’s been running the ball, acceleration, speed, things like that have been really good.”

NY Giants RB Depth Chart: Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s ascending role

Harbaugh’s high praise reflects Tracy’s game-changing performance in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints. Despite Big Blue’s 34-27 loss, Tracy made the absolute most of his elevated workload, scoring two touchdowns—one on the ground and one through the air—on just eight total touches. His dynamic versatility and explosiveness provided a spark for an offense transitioning toward newly named starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

With Najee Harris removed from the equation, New York’s running back room now operates as a streamlined three-man rotation:

• Tyrone Tracy Jr.: Possessing elite acceleration and top-tier pass-catching ability out of the backfield, Tracy offers the big-play threat Big Blue desperately needs on early and third downs.
• Cam Skattebo: Cam is a downhill runner remains a core part of the game plan, provided he remedies the fumble issues that sidelined him in Week 6.
• Devin Singletary: The seasoned veteran continues to provide trusted pass protection, situational reliability, and veteran leadership.

Why Tracy’s physical style complements J.J. McCarthy

As J.J. McCarthy makes his first official NFL start as with the Giants at NRG Stadium, having a back with Tracy’s dual-threat skillset is paramount. Tracy’s background as a college wide receiver allows offensive coordinator Matt Nagy to flex him into the slot or utilize him as a high-percentage check-down option, easing the pressure on the young signal-caller.

Furthermore, Tracy’s improved execution in pass protection—an area Harbaugh explicitly commended—ensures McCarthy remains protected against Houston’s relentless interior pressure. If Tracy can maintain his physical running style and secure the football, his big-play upside gives the 3-2-1 Giants the exact offensive balance required to stay atop the competitive NFC East.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh confirmed Tyrone Tracy Jr. has earned more carries and reps thanks to his speed, physical running style, and assignment discipline.
• Tracy capitalized on increased Week 6 snaps against the Saints by scoring two touchdowns on just eight touches.
• With Najee Harris cut, Tracy steps into a primary role alongside Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary to anchor New York’s backfield.

Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson warned his players on the Giants defense to step up. Now, Wilson says that the following players who could wear the green dot if Edmunds is not able to play, and among those are Arvell Reese, Micah McFadden, Jack Kelly, Zaire Barnes.

Edmunds is a veteran who has played well. However, wearing the green dot, which means that the player communicates with the DC and then communicates the play to the rest of the defense is a huge task. Given how talented Reese is, him being a candidate is an endorsement, but also given how he is a rookie, this might be too much to handle.

The Giants defense is not such a mess

While the defense is being called out by Wilson, Abdul Carter is impressing the Giants. However, there are some things to improve. Still, the Giants defense is not as bad as Wilson portrays it to be. He wants more out of his players, but he also has to acknowledge there is talent on the roster.

The Giants are a middle-of-the-pack unit, with potential to go into the top 10. Hence, they’re just scratching the surface. If Edmunds is absent vs Texans, it will be a blow, but it’s a chance for the rest of the linebackers to actually step up.

The Texans offense is a big test for the Giants defense

The Texans offense is playing lights out right now. In fact, Houston is a top 10 offensive unit, averaging 355 total yards per game. As for the scoring, the Texans average 24 points per outing.

However, Houston is coming off a London game, so they might face a bit of a slow start given the long trips. The Giants must capitalize on that. However, stopping CJ Stroud and a plethora of big weapons is no easy feat.

Key takeaways

• Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds could miss the Giants’ Week 7 game against the Texans.
• Arvell Reese and three others are candidates to wear the defensive green dot.
• The Houston Texans average 355 yards and 24 points per game this season.

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, Wilson slammed the Giants’ performance against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. “I wasn’t happy with our effort running to the ball,” Wilson said. He also called “traitors” to the players who don’t run to the balls.

Also, he then warned his players. “When you have behaviors that’s unacceptable, we’re not gonna accept it. And if you don’t change the behaviors, we have to change the players.” According to Wilson, bad tackling is about bad behavior over technique.

How many tackles did the Giants miss vs Saints?

The Texans offense is in a red-hot state right now, and if tackling is frail, then they will put plenty of points on the Giants. The Giants missed 13 tackles (with seven of them coming against the run) during their Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints, according to Pro Football Focus.

Having 13 tackles is really a bad number. Also, we’ve seen that under John Harbaugh, the Giants are not afraid to make big swings and changes to their roster. Hence, if things don’t improve, changes will be made.

Who missed the most tackles?

Linebackers Trace Ford and Arvell Reese led the team with two missed tackles each, while 11 other players missed a tackle each. Now, Reese has been one of the best defensive players on the roster and is a top 10 pick, hence, the pressure should be on the other players more than him.

Key takeaways

• Dennard Wilson warned Giants players that unacceptable effort and bad tackling will trigger roster changes.
• Pro Football Focus recorded 13 missed tackles during New York’s Week 6 loss to New Orleans.
• Trace Ford and Arvell Reese led the New York Giants with two missed tackles each.

Ryans told reporters that Dell will return in Week 7 vs the New York Giants. This will be his first game since December 2024 where he got his knee injured. Also, this is just days after they traded for Marvin Harrison Jr, so the Texans depth chart shapes up differently now.

Hence, it will be a revamped WR room for the Texans. Having said so, expectations must be tempered as Dell hasn’t played in a while, and his injuries have been gruesome. Dell tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL, dislocated his kneecap (patella), and suffered meniscus damage, requiring multiple major surgeries.

How does this impact CJ Stroud?

With all these new additions, the Texans, whose offense has been very good this year following a redemption season for quarterback CJ Stroud, should be ecstatic. Also, they can ease Dell back into action.

Nico Collins will still be the WR1, and Marvin Harrison Jr. is likely to still get involved. Jaylin Noel has been breaking out recently but what Dell’s return means is that CJ Stroud has a known, great option in him to keep distributing the rock.

Tank Dell’s stats with CJ Stroud

Stroud explicitly asked for the Texans to draft Tank Dell. Hence, they go back and their chemistry is there. If Dell is able to come back into a somewhat good form, he will still be serviceable, though the injuries will always be of concern.

Key takeaways

• Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed Tank Dell is ready to return in Week 7.
• Tank Dell’s Week 7 appearance will be his first game since December 2024.
• The Houston Texans recently traded for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr..

Two other high-caliber receivers serve as key options to bolster C.J. Stroud’s passing attack. Recently acquired Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of them, while Xavier Hutchinson holds the top spot on the slot wide receiver depth chart.

Further down are Kayshon Boutte, another new addition this season, and Jaylin Noel. The news of Dell’s return, reported by Ian Rapoport on X, further strengthens a passing attack that has continued to improve over the past few weeks.

A long wait comes to an end

Tank Dell’s road back to the field has been a brutal test of patience after he suffered a horrific knee injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in December 2024. The gruesome injury occurred when he hauled in a touchdown pass and took a awkward hit that resulted in severe structural damage, including ligament tears and a dislocated kneecap that required him to be carted off the field.

The major setback sidelined him for the entire 2025 campaign, forcing him through a grueling recovery process. After months of endless rehab, Houston finally opened his practice window, bringing him right to the brink of his much-anticipated return to game action.

Key takeaways

• Tank Dell is set to return to action for the Houston Texans.
• Marvin Harrison Jr. and Xavier Hutchinson are key options in the passing attack.
• Tank Dell suffered a severe knee injury against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Both teams have intriguing options as their primary backups. For the Jaguars, Quinn Ewers is listed as Lawrence’s primary backup on the depth chart, while Davis Mills fills that role for Stroud and the Texans.

As for the emergency QB role, if needed, both teams have options on their practice squads, although none are listed on the official depth chart. Jacksonville has Nick Mullens and Joey Aguilar, while the Texans have Mark Gronowski.

Lawrence’s outstanding season so far

Trevor Lawrence is having a stellar start to the 2026 season, leading the Jaguars to an impressive 4–1 record through five games. He’s operating with incredible efficiency, completing 67.1% of his passes (96 of 143) for 1,174 yards, 10 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions.

Averaging 8.2 yards per attempt with a sharp 106.8 passer rating, “Sunshine” is taking care of the football and making big-time throws when it counts—highlighted by a explosive 4-TD game in Week 1 and a clutch 331-yard performance to edge out the Eagles.

CJ Stroud is starting to regain his form

C.J. Stroud has bounce backed in a big way to start the 2026 season. Through five games, he’s stacked up 1,402 passing yards (ranking top-5 in the NFL) with a 64.3% completion rate, 6 passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions for a clean 98.1 passer rating. Even with Houston off to a tough 1–4 start, Stroud has elevated the offense by playing hyper-efficient, disciplined football—sharpening his pre-snap reads, protecting the ball, and consistently pushing deep downfield with an aggressive 10.6 average depth of target.

He’s also using his legs to extend plays and scramble for key first downs, single-handedly keeping the Texans competitive in close games and proving he can carry the unit when needed.

Key takeaways

• Jacksonville and Houston play at Wembley Stadium in London for NFL Week 6.
• Trevor Lawrence leads the Jaguars to a 4–1 record with 1,174 passing yards.
• C.J. Stroud has stacked up 1,402 passing yards and zero interceptions for Houston.

London has become a familiar destination for the Jaguars, who continue to build their following across the Atlantic. Jacksonville is playing consecutive games in the UK this season, following its dramatic 19-17 victory over the Eagles.

The team now heads to Wembley for its matchup against Houston, in the final London game of the NFL‘s 2026 international series. Beyond the international spotlight, the matchup carries significant implications for the AFC South.

What is the capacity of Wembley Stadium for Jaguars vs. Texans?

Wembley Stadium has a capacity of 90,000 seats for Jaguars vs. Texans in Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season. Located in London, England, the venue is the largest sports stadium in the United Kingdom and will host the matchup.

Wembley is one of the NFL’s most established international venues, having hosted regular-season games since the league began playing in London in 2007. Its capacity makes it a major stage for the league’s efforts to expand its audience.

The Week 6 matchup also marks Jacksonville’s return after playing the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Week 5. The Texans game will be the franchise’s 12th at Wembley, further extending its history in London.

For Houston, the game represents its return to international competition for the first time since 2019, when the Texans defeated Jacksonville 26-3 at Wembley in front of 84,771 fans.

With a 90,000-seat venue and two AFC South rivals meeting on an international stage, Wembley will provide a fitting backdrop for one of the NFL’s marquee London games of the season.