Cam Skatebo is receiving cheers far beyond just New York’s stadiums. The rookie running back, already a hit at MetLife Stadium with Giants fans, enjoyed a warm welcome at Madison Square Garden during the Knicks’ season opener against the Cavaliers.
“It was incredible,” Skatebo said, noting how accepted he felt by the crowd.
After a spectacular dunk by OG Anunoby, Skatebo was spotted bending low under the basket, clearly impressed.
“The Knicks game was wild,” he remarked. “We need that vibe in our football stadium.”
But, as he gears up for the Eagles game this Sunday, Skatebo knows he won’t be met with such warmth at Lincoln Financial Field. Eagles fans are known for their intensity.
“I’m tough-skinned,” Skatebo said. “I’m curious to see how it feels, but I’m not too anxious about the crowd.”
“You always hear the fans talking trash. If your team is better, you should give them credit, but there’s a point where respect comes into play. In Philly, it seems that respect is in short supply. People are just there to have a good time—cheering for their team no matter what. That’s part of football.”
On another note, WR Malik Nabors has yet to undergo surgery after tearing his ACL on September 29. Head coach Brian Daboll mentioned that delays in surgery often prolong recovery. Nabors has been seen at various events using crutches, which doesn’t bode well for his rehab timeline.
Dr. David Chao, a former NFL team physician, pointed out that waiting for swelling to go down before surgery is common, though some athletes opt for immediate procedures to prepare for their next season.
Others on the injury report include CB Paulson Adebo (knee), OLB Brian Barnes (hip), DT DJ Davidson (ankle), DL Chauncey Golston (neck), and S Jevon Holland (knee), all of whom missed practice. Barnes seems determined to play, yet the outlook for the secondary isn’t too bright.
A few were limited in practice: WR Darius Slayton (hamstring), TE Daniel Bellinger (neck), LB Swayze Bozeman (ankle), RT Jermaine Elemunor (knee), and LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (hamstring).
On a better note, QB Jackson Dart (ankle), K Graham Gano (groin), and C John Michael Schmitz (concussion) all participated fully in practice, although Schmitz still awaits a decision from an independent neurologist.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka defended a late-game call that led to an interception by Dart deep in Giants territory. “It’s always about confidence in your quarterback and players. I believe in Jackson’s ability to make the right plays,” Kafka explained.
Notable figures in the NFL, like Tiki Barber and Jon Gruden, highlighted that the play call put the Broncos in a tough spot, prompting them to use a final timeout.
“In hindsight, it’s easy to reassess,” Kafka admitted. “But during our week’s planning, this call was among our top priorities.”
