Cam Skattebo expressed confidence in his place in the New York Giants' offense after the team ended its pursuit of Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor without a trade. With the deadline past, Skattebo remains in line to handle most of New York's carries and is expected back from a hamstring injury for Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders.
The Giants explored additions on both sides of the ball, showing interest in defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons as well as Taylor. Ultimately, John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen chose to preserve valuable draft capital as New York approaches the second half of its season. According to Fox Sports, the Giants offered Indianapolis second- and fifth-round picks for Taylor before withdrawing that proposal.
Asked in the locker room about retaining his starting role, Skattebo pointed to his response after an earlier setback this season. He acknowledged a week in which he got into trouble but said his performance upon returning demonstrated his ability. “They know what I'm capable of. They know what I can do,” Skattebo said.
Harbaugh explained Tuesday that the Giants were prepared to spend resources on an addition, provided the return justified the cost. In comments reported by NJ.com, he said an unfavorable trade could leave a team worse off and that any acquisition needed to offer a meaningful improvement. “Sometimes, the best deal is the deal that you don't make,” Harbaugh said.
Skattebo has collected 418 rushing yards and two touchdowns across seven appearances this season. His year has included both a benching and a career-best rushing performance. After losing a costly fumble in overtime during a tie with Washington, he received no touches in Week 6. He responded in Week 7 with 124 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans.
That performance included a 42-yard overtime run that helped set up the Giants' fourth victory of the season. Skattebo injured his hamstring on the play and subsequently missed the Week 9 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. His anticipated return against Washington would put him back in the lineup against the opponent involved in his earlier fumble.
New York holds a 5-2-1 record and sits two games ahead of the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East. Taylor, whose average of 88.8 rushing yards per game ranks fifth in NFL history, would have brought an accomplished runner to the offense. With no agreement reached, the Giants will continue with their existing options, while Skattebo maintains that he can be among the league's most dangerous backs when ready to play.
