“I’m quite sure [Skattebo is] not trying to use his helmet as a weapon, as a battering ram,” Harbaugh told reporters, via ESPN‘s Jordan Raanan. “It’s not the way he’s thinking. He’s leading with his shoulder. That’s what he’s trying to do. . . .

“So, I didn’t have a problem with the technique personally at all, but we haven’t heard from the league. Maybe they’ll be able to enlighten us a little bit on it in terms of what they want us to teach, and that would be great.”

The use of the helmet during collisions can often be deemed a penalty by officials. Moving forward, Skattebo will need to be more cautious to avoid penalties that could hurt not only him but also the Giants in crucial moments of a game.

The rule against lowering the helmet

The NFL‘s “Use of the Helmet” rule is basically football’s way of saying, “keep your head up and play safe.” Under Rule 12, Article 10(a), it’s an automatic 15-yard penalty whenever a player lowers their head to initiate forcible contact using any part of their helmet against an opponent.

Beyond the penalty flag, severe or flagrant hits can lead to an immediate ejection, heavy league fines, or even a suspension. The whole point is to cut down on dangerous, head-first spear tackles, protecting defensive players and ball-carriers alike from traumatic brain injuries and neck spinal trauma.

Bottom line: if you drop your skull to deliver a blow, you’re costing your team yards and putting both yourself and your opponent at serious risk.

Key takeaways

• The NFL flagged Cam Skattebo for a hard collision during the Giants-Texans game.
• Head coach John Harbaugh defended Cam Skattebo, stating he led with his shoulder.
• Lowering the helmet carries an automatic 15-yard penalty under NFL Rule 12, Article 10(a).

Harbaugh made it clear that surviving that test was essential for their postseason aspirations, rallying his locker room around the fight ahead. “We’re going to be in this thing until the end now,” Harbaugh declared when addressing the team’s resilient identity.

The head coach delivered an inspiring point of view that resonated across the entire roster as players dispersed for rest. By taking care of business before the bye week, New York established a winning foundation that positions them as legitimate NFC East contenders.

The NY Giants schedule post bye week is key

Harbaugh has already placed immense emphasis on what awaits the Giants immediately after their break. The head coach labeled the upcoming stretch of two divisional games in just five days as “the two most important games of the season.” The Giants go to Philadelphia and hosts the Commanders after that.

In Harbaugh’s eyes, those two NFC East showdowns will set the trajectory and tone for the remainder of their season. Navigating that grueling five-day window successfully could firmly cement the Giants at the top of the division race.

JJ McCarthy seems as the NY Giants QB1 the rest of the season

Following his recent elevation to the starting role, JJ McCarthy appears solidly entrenched as New York’s franchise signal-caller moving forward. Harbaugh affirmed that turning the keys over to the young quarterback provides the roster with the highest offensive ceiling and versatility.

While veteran Jameis Winston earned high praise for his early-season contributions, the coaching staff views McCarthy as the permanent direction rather than a short-term trial. With the bye week offering invaluable preparation reps, McCarthy enters November fully backed as the offensive leader.

Key takeaways

• Entering the break at 4-2-1 gives the New York Giants momentum before their bye.
• Two divisional games in five days face the Giants against Philadelphia and the Commanders.
• JJ McCarthy is solidly entrenched as QB1 for the New York Giants moving forward.

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.

“Yeah, it was more about just, alright, we’re going to set a course. And it’s hard to carry four backs. There were some other moves we had to make to get guys on the roster. And I just felt like in this situation, like I told him, nothing against what he did. I thought he ran super hard. I didn’t think he had a lot of room, in all fairness, in the plays he happened to have in the last couple of weeks, but it was just the direction we decided to go at this time going forward.”

Harbaugh emphasized that the move came down to giving New York’s remaining running backs a clear runway to establish their identity. “So, nothing that he did or didn’t do. I’m just thinking with our guys, those guys will be the guys that we’ll give a shot and see where we go.” With Harris departing, the Giants officially transition to a streamlined three-man rotation to handle the ground attack.

NY Giants RB depth chart

With Najee Harris off the roster, the Giants’ running back room condenses into a complementary trio featuring a mix of young power, explosive speed, and reliable veteran presence with Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.

Trimming the backfield from four runners to three provides much-needed clarity for offensive coordinator Matt Nagy as newly named starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy prepares for his first official start in Week 7. Carrying four active running backs fragmented touch distribution, making it difficult for any single runner to build rhythm behind an evolving offensive line.

By locking in Skattebo, Tracy, and Singletary, the coaching staff can establish clear roles on early downs, third downs, and red-zone packages. If Skattebo and Tracy can maximize their opportunities against Houston’s front seven, the streamlined ground attack will provide McCarthy with the balanced offensive foundation necessary to keep Big Blue on top of the NFC East.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh confirmed cutting Najee Harris was driven by roster math and “setting a course” rather than poor individual performance.
• Harbaugh noted that Harris “ran super hard” despite lacking blocking room during his brief tenure in East Rutherford.
• The Giants’ streamlined backfield now consists of Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary leading the way.

The loss of Edmunds represents another major setback for a Giants squad that has already seen several foundational pieces sidelined long-term. The front office and coaching staff have already been forced to navigate season-ending injuries to quarterback Jaxson Dart and star outside linebacker Brian Burns, along with key missed time from several other starters. Losing the veteran heartbeat of their interior defense severely tests New York’s depth as they look to maintain their position atop the NFC East.

Edmunds’ impact stretched far beyond his tackling production. As the green-dot helmet caller in the middle of the field, his veteran leadership was instrumental in facilitating Arvell Reese’s rapid progress in the NFL. With Edmunds officially headed to injured reserve, the Giants must quickly reshape their linebacker rotation ahead of a high-stakes Week 7 clash against the Houston Texans.

Micah McFadden steps into starting role following Edmunds injury

With Edmunds sidelined, Micah McFadden is set to step into the starting lineup alongside Reese. Head coach John Harbaugh has consistently maintained throughout the season that New York possesses “three starting inside linebackers,” and McFadden will now get his opportunity to prove that depth on the field.

McFadden brings extensive starting experience to the middle of the defense, having logged key starts over the past two seasons for Big Blue. He will take over primary pre-snap communication responsibilities alongside Reese, ensuring seamless alignment for defense coordinator Dennard Wilson’s scheme.

How the Giants’ defense adapts to another major injury setback

Losing a leader who played 100% of defensive snaps creates an undeniable vacuum in middle-field coverage and run fits. However, the Giants’ defensive unit has already shown resilience this season under Harbaugh’s leadership, relying on aggressive blitz packages and front-seven rotation to compensate for missing star personnel.

Facing a physical Houston Texans offense in Week 7, McFadden and Reese must set the tone early. If New York’s secondary can hold up in coverage, McFadden’s insertion into the starting lineup gives Big Blue a capable, high-energy tackler ready to keep the defense performing at a playoff-caliber level.

Key takeaways

• NY Giants LB Tremaine Edmunds is out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury suffered in Week 6, per Dan Duggan.
• Edmunds joins QB Jaxson Dart and OLB Brian Burns on the list of key Giants players lost to season-ending injuries.
• Micah McFadden takes over Edmunds’ starting role, fulfilling John Harbaugh’s belief in the team’s interior linebacker depth.

“Yeah, I mean he was always going to be a big part of our season. And he had a heck of a week of practice. All the backs did. I thought the whole team had a really good week. And just trying to focus on preparing to play our best football if we can in this next game against a very tough opponent in a tough environment. But we’re up for it, we’re ready for it and Skatt, no less than anybody else, he had a heck of a week of practice.”

Harbaugh’s reassuring words come on the heels of a tumultuous stretch for New York’s running game. Skattebo, who leads all NFL running backs with four fumbles this season, saw his usage plummet during the Giants’ 34-27 loss to New Orleans. However, with Najee Harris recently released and the coaching staff demanding someone “step up and take the job,” Skattebo’s strong week on the practice field could clear the path for an immediate bounce-back opportunity alongside Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.

Who will be Giants RB1?

Cam Skattebo still has a chance to be the Giants RB1. With newly named starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy making his first official start for Big Blue in Houston, establishing an efficient ground attack is non-negotiable. It’s an open competition with Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr.

A revitalized Skattebo offers the exact downhill, tackle-breaking presence needed to keep the Texans’ pass rush honest and open up play-action passing lanes.

• Short-Yardage & Red-Zone Power: Skattebo’s aggressive running style gives the Giants a reliable option inside the 20-yard line and on early downs.
• Balanced Committee: Pairing Skattebo’s power with Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s speed creates a complementary backfield dynamic for offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.
• Playoff Urgency: At 3-2-1, New York cannot afford empty offensive possessions, making Skattebo’s ball security a focal point against Houston’s high-motor defense.

If Skattebo translates his “heck of a week of practice” onto the field at NRG Stadium, he can instantly reclaim his standing as a cornerstone of New York’s offensive attack.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh confirmed Cam Skattebo had a “heck of a week of practice” following his Week 6 benching and remains “a big part of our season.”
• The RB acknowledged that “nobody’s safe” after Najee Harris was released, taking full responsibility for his ball-security struggles.
• Skattebo is in line to reclaim offensive snaps against the Houston Texans to support newly named starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Head coach John Harbaugh met with reporters to clarify the front office’s rationale behind benching veteran Jameis Winston and elevating McCarthy to the starting QB1 role. While acknowledging Winston’s solid performances during his spot starts, Harbaugh emphasized that McCarthy’s unique skill set provides Big Blue with the highest ceiling moving forward.

Addressing the quarterback change, Harbaugh stressed that the move was about maximizing the offense’s versatility rather than discounting Winston’s contributions. “All things considered, what gives us the best chance to be our best? JJ gives us the best chance to play the best offense we can. I thought Jameis has done a tremendous job. Won us games, played well. But as we go forward here, this is going to be our direction, and we think it gives us some good options on offense.”

Who will be NY Giants QB1 moving forward?

J.J. McCarthy will be the Giants’ QB1. John Harbaugh made it clear that while football inherently operates on a fluid timeline, McCarthy is taking over as the long-term solution under center rather than a week-to-week experiment.

“Life is day to day, minute to minute, you know? There’s really no guarantees. I would never say anything is permanent, really, in football or life, but that’s the plan going forward.”

When asked specifically why McCarthy provides the team with a superior opportunity compared to Winston, Harbaugh pivoted away from direct comparison and focused on what the young signal-caller brings to the field.

“Both guys are great quarterbacks. It’s not really a comparison kind of thing. Just, you know, J.J.’s got a skill set that we can take advantage of, and we’re excited to see what we can do with it.”

That skill set was on full display in Week 6 against New Orleans. After entering in relief of Winston during the fourth quarter, McCarthy injected immediate velocity into the passing attack, throwing for 243 yards and a touchdown in just 11 minutes of action.

His athleticism enables the Giants to re-establish off-platform throws, bootlegs, and second-reaction plays that had been shelved while Winston was operating in a more static pocket setup.

What’s next for J.J. McCarthy?

Stepping into his first start against a relentless Houston Texans defense presents a stern test for J.J. McCarthy. However, Harbaugh’s endorsement confirms that the Giants’ playbook will expand significantly to leverage the QB’s mobility.

McCarthy’s ability to stretch defense on the move allows Matt Nagy’s scheme to utilize sprint-outs and read-option looks. Winston’s professional response to the benching has ensured a smooth transition without lingering controversy in the QB room.

At 3-2-1, the Giants remain locked in a wide-open division race, and Harbaugh believes McCarthy’s ceiling gives Big Blue its best shot at sustaining a postseason run.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh confirmed J.J. McCarthy was named QB1 because his skill set gives New York “the best chance to play the best offense we can”.
• Harbaugh stated that while nothing is permanent in football, starting McCarthy is “the plan going forward” rather than a temporary week-to-week fix.
• The head coach lauded Jameis Winston for doing a “tremendous job” and winning games, but highlighted McCarthy’s dynamic upside as the catalyst for the change.

The quarterback switch comes on the heels of a erratic, turnover-heavy outing from veteran Jameis Winston. Trailing 34-10 in the fourth quarter against New Orleans after Winston threw his second costly interception of the game, the coaching staff pulled the plug. McCarthy stepped into the huddle and immediately provided a spark, throwing for 243 passing yards and a touchdown in just 11 minutes of game action to nearly pull off an improbable comeback. That raw velocity and aggressive downfield mentality convinced leadership that McCarthy gives the team the best chance to win moving forward.

System fit played a massive role in this decision. When offensive coordinator Matt Nagy designed New York’s offensive scheme, it was tailored to take advantage of Jaxson Dart’s mobility, bootlegs, and pocket-moving concepts. With Dart sidelined, Winston struggled as a stationary pocket passer, whereas J.J. McCarthy possesses the athleticism and arm strength to execute those rollouts and off-platform throws seamlessly. Facing a relentless Houston pass rush, McCarthy’s mobility under center could completely re-energize the offense.

Why J.J. McCarthy fits Giants’ offense better than Jameis Winston

The Giants’ offensive system was built around high-leverage movement plays and dual-threat versatility. While Jameis Winston possesses a big arm, his lack of mobility compromised things behind a re-tooled offensive line, leading to erratic decisions and costly turnovers under pressure.

J.J. McCarthy offers a completely different dynamic:

• Moving the Pocket: McCarthy thrives on bootleg designs, sprint-outs, and play-action concepts that alter launch angles and freeze defensive ends.
• Second-Reaction Playmaking: His ability to evade interior pressure allows receivers additional time to scramble open downfield.
• Arm Talent & Velocity: As demonstrated against New Orleans, McCarthy can drive the ball into tight windows outside the numbers on the move.

Cam Skattebo and the running game hold the key to Week 7

While McCarthy’s promotion generates plenty of buzz, his success against Houston will heavily depend on restoring balance to the offense. New York’s ground game has struggled for consistency in recent weeks, placing far too much strain on the passing attack.

Cam Skattebo must bounce back from his recent ball-security issues and establish a tough, physical presence between the tackles. If Skattebo and the backfield can command attention on early downs, it will set up manageable third-down situations and open up play-action passing lanes for McCarthy to exploit. Sunday against the Texans marks the start of a new chapter for Big Blue, and all eyes will be on how McCarthy responds to his first official NFL start.

Key takeaways

• McCarthy Named QB1: The Giants have officially named J.J. McCarthy their starting quarterback for Week 7 against the Houston Texans.
• Saints Sparks: McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston in Week 6 after Winston threw two interceptions, leading a furious comeback attempt with 243 fourth-quarter yards.
• System Fit: McCarthy’s mobility better aligns with the offensive design intended for Jaxson Dart, while establishing Cam Skattebo in the run game will be vital against Houston.

According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Giants plan to start McCarthy against the Houston Texans, which isn’t exactly how former Giants’ Russell Wilson drew things up. Things between Wilson and New York didn’t end in the best of notes, and the Giants’ latest McCarthy QB1 decision might add another layer to the conflicted relationship.

While the Giants recognize one of C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ strengths heading into Week 7, they aren’t blind or naive. The G-Men know they have strengths of their own but must clear up some doubts before they can put them to full use.

On that note, figuring out the best course of action at quarterback is paramount. Still, giving up on Winston after four games may not be ideal. At least, that’s what former Giants QB-turned-NFL analyst Wilson believes.

Russell Wilson’s comments

“I think that before you jump the bridge to J.J. McCarthy you may have to give Jameis Winston one more shot and one more look at it to make sure,” Wilson said on CBS Sports’ “Set, Hut! Show”. “The reality is Jameis has played more football, but also, this 23-year-old just threw for 243 yards in the fourth quarter. What if he played four quarters?”

Having played 14 NFL seasons, Wilson knows a thing or two about coaching and quarterback decisions. Moreover, he spent last season in New York, albeit under a different coaching staff, and knows what might be best for the Giants.

NY Giants didn’t listen to Wilson

Either way, it’s clear that Wilson’s opinions played no role—or were simply outweighed by McCarthy’s merits—in Harbaugh‘s decision. Wilson voiced his thoughts before reports confirmed that McCarthy would start against the Texans in Houston on Sunday. They may have been in vain, or they might give him a chance to tell New York, “I told you so.”

Key takeaways

• J.J. McCarthy will start for the New York Giants against the Houston Texans.
• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler first reported the Giants’ plan to switch starting quarterbacks.
• Russell Wilson suggested giving Jameis Winston one more start before inserting J.J. McCarthy.

As if that wasn’t enough drama in the running backs’ room, the Giants responded to Najee Harris’ criticism of the game plan by cutting him. And that may not be the end of it all. With the NFL trade deadline slowly but steadily approaching, rumors are running wild, and those linking New York to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor are no exception.

However, those rumors may not be so wild after all and might actually make a lot of sense. Based on the latest news coming out of East Rutherford, it’s almost as if trading for Taylor is the only logical move to make.

“Making room for Jonathan Taylor, are we?,” Anthony Rivardo of Empire Sports Media posed a rhetorical question on X in response to the Giants releasing Harris from the active roster during the 2026 NFL season. Rivardo wasn’t the first to bring Taylor’s name up as a potential trade target for the Giants as the two have been linked for a while now. Still, it seems the stars have finally aligned and the trade may go through.

Connecting the dots between Giants and Taylor

It just makes too much sense. Even before the Giants freed up room on their active roster by releasing Harris, Harbaugh had reminded Skattebo and the Giants that they don’t get to enjoy a “Saquon Barkley circumstance” or a Derrick Henry one, for that matter. But he’d love for New York to be in one. Guess what? Trading for Taylor could give the G-Men exactly that: a star running back to hand the ball off to on virtually every play.

Judging by how well the receiving duo of Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely has been playing, one can only assume that having a true threat in the backfield could open up the field even more for them. Taylor may welcome a move to East Rutherford. For one, he was born and raised in Salem, New Jersey. As if his hometown connection to the Giants weren’t enough, he may be much better off in New York than in Indianapolis.

With the Colts sitting at 2-4 and coming off a gut-wrenching loss to the Tennessee Titans (who hadn’t won since Dec. 21, 2025), it may be time for the franchise in the Crossroads of America to become sellers. In the Racing Capital of the World, the Colts are far from seeing the checkered flag and may have to wave the white flag instead. A player of Taylor’s caliber, still in his prime, may only go to waste on a team like the 2026 Colts.

Questions around Taylor’s potential trade to New York

The main hurdle is that Taylor agreed to a two-year extension before the 2026 NFL season, which locks him in Indy through 2028. If it weren’t for that, he’d be in a contract year, and the pressure would be on the Colts to figure things out: either trade him or risk losing him to free agency next spring.

Another question surrounding the rumors is what would happen to Skattebo if the Giants traded for Taylor. Would he be sent to Indianapolis as part of the package? Or would New York prefer to keep him as a second-string power back who could provide depth, offer a change of pace, and serve as a reliable option if Taylor struggles to get going?

Coming into the season, there were reports suggesting animosity between Harbaugh and Skattebo. Both parties denied them time and again, but the recent friction may tell a different story. Skattebo accepted Harbaugh and the Giants’ punishment in Week 6, but the incident likely won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Taylor-Skattebo duo could be utopian

A backfield featuring Taylor and Skattebo would wreak havoc across the league. It would be virtually impossible for defensive coordinators to contain them, at least not without letting Nabers, Likely, and others roam free at the second level of the defense.

However, that wouldn’t be what Skattebo signed up for in East Rutherford. He believes he can be the team’s No. 1 running back, and there’s only one way to find out just how committed Skattebo is to the team—and it’s not an easy route to take.

Potential price tag for Taylor

Moreover, the Colts may be seeking a replacement for Taylor if they trade him, and Skattebo, who has two and a half years remaining on his rookie contract, could be the perfect candidate.

As mentioned, Indianapolis has no urgency to move on from Taylor, even if the talented running back asks for a trade. The Colts could use that security as leverage to land Skattebo and more, probably a high draft pick, in return.

Needless to say, trading for Taylor won’t come cheap for the Giants, but winning in the NFL never does. It’s clear the G-Men need to make a splash if they’re serious about competing in the 2026 NFL campaign.

Key takeaways

• The New York Giants released running back Najee Harris from their active roster, fueling Jonathan Taylor trade rumors.
• Cam Skattebo was benched by the New York Giants in Week 6
• The Indianapolis Colts hold a 2-4 record following a loss to the Titans.

Without a clear-cut No. 1 running back, at least in Harbaugh’s eyes, it’s time for the coach and players to work together and figure out a solution to the Giants’ struggles on the ground. Clearly, handing the ball off to four different running backs and hoping one of them builds momentum and rides the hot hand wasn’t working for New York.

For the time being, the G-Men may still have no better option than to keep banging their heads against the wall. Better the devil you know, they say.

“I would love for us to be in that kind of a circumstance. A Derrick Henry circumstance or a Saquon Barkley circumstance or whatever it might be,” Harbaugh said, according to transcript from the Giants. “That would be great, and we haven’t. Our run game hasn’t earned that yet, and none of those guys have.”

Rushing offense struggles without Skattebo

Thus, for the time being, the Giants will keep pounding the rock with their collection of running backs. Harris is now out of the picture, though, leaving only: Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary. Of the bunch, Skattebo is clearly the main ball-carrier.

“My advice would be to any player, do the most you can with the opportunities you get. Make the most of those opportunities and you’re sure to get more opportunities. Do something,” Harbaugh stated.

Clearly, the trio of Harris, Tracy Jr, and Singletary didn’t do enough with their opportunities (on the ground game) while Skattebo was kept on the sidelines in Week 6.

Skattebo could be back in RB1 role

Even though he accepted the punishment handed out by Harbaugh and the Giants, it’s plain to see that he’ll take the stick once, but he’ll want the carrot in Week 7, especially after watching the team’s rushing deficiencies from the sidelines and seeing how much he was missed by both fans and teammates.

Even Harbaugh may have realized that Skattebo’s benching came back to bite the team, but by then, it was already too late. The harm was done, and Harbaugh chose to stay committed to the bit.

NY Giants vie to get back in win column

As costly as Skattebo’s inactive role was, the Giants were still a controversial pass-interference no call away from tying the game. They also might have tied it—or potentially defeated the New Orleans Saints in Week 6—if JJ McCarthy had seen Malik Nabers wide open in the end zone. Unfortunately for New York, the subbed-on quarterback was too busy running for his life in the pocket.

The lesson appears to have been learned, but only time will tell. We’ll find out when the Giants take on the Houston Texans on the road. How much Skattebo and the rest of the running backs play will be very telling of how Harbaugh truly feels about the room in East Rutherford.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh stated the New York Giants’ running attack has not earned a featured RB role.
• Head coach John Harbaugh advised players to do the most with their opportunities to get more carries.
• The New York Giants will play their upcoming game against the Houston Texans on the road.