There are definitely repercussions when a running back fumbles the ball, and Cam Skattebo has done it too often this season. Consequently, he lost his starting position for the Giants’ game against the Saints at MetLife Stadium.
Najee Harris, the 28-year-old veteran, stepped in as the starter. During warm-ups, it was clear he had been promoted, as he was the first running back on the field.
This season, Skattebo has recorded four fumbles in just five games. One of those was particularly damaging—it cost the Giants a chance to win last week’s game in a tie with the Commanders. The team had moved to the Washington 24-yard line, thanks to Skattebo’s three runs that totaled 33 yards, putting them in a position to let rookie Dominic Zvada—who had already missed three field goals due to the rain—attempt a 42-yard kick to secure the win. However, that opportunity slipped away when Skattebo fumbled the ball after being hit by defensive end Daron Payne.
Unfortunately for Skattebo, his second NFL season has not started well. He’s averaging only 3.6 yards per carry, in addition to his turnover issues.
The broader issue for the Giants is that their running backs have struggled to gain momentum throughout the first five games. Both Skattebo and Harris, along with Tyrone Tracy, have all fumbled at least once. Devin Singletary, another running back on the roster, has been a healthy scratch for the last three games but was active for Sunday’s matchup against the Saints.
Harris has a solid track record; he began his NFL career with four consecutive seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards with the Steelers. After signing with the Chargers in 2025, he tore his Achilles just three games in. Since joining the Giants, he hasn’t shown much explosiveness.
Last Friday, head coach John Harbaugh was questioned about the potential need for changes given the ongoing fumbles.
“Of course,” Harbaugh replied. “Yes. There is a point.”
When asked if he had reached that point with Skattebo, Harbaugh responded, “We’ll see. We’ll find out.”
The Saints, after five games, ranked 30th in the NFL for run defense, allowing an average of 148 yards per game.
