The New York Giants’ rookie running back Cam Skattebo underwent emergency surgery Sunday night in Philadelphia, which is extremely shocking because no one saw the surgery thing coming less than 24 hours before.
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: graphic image) New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) reacts after an injury in the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: graphic image) New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) reacts after an injury in the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
After suffering an open tibia fracture of his right ankle, we all knew his injury was one of the most gruesome in NFL playbook. His right foot was turned sharply to the right, causing players from both teams to turn away from the gruesome scene. But it gave a good feeling when he stood on his feet with the help of the team.
So, the requirement of an emergency surgery sent shockwaves shortly after the news broke online. Now, you have the explanation of why he needed immediate surgery, and the explanation has already scared many Giants fans.
Giants Rookie Cam Skattebo’s Injury Worse Than Expected, Surgery Needed Now
Skattebo entered Sunday’s game as a key part of the Giants’ offense alongside rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, totaling 398 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 98 carries, plus 189 receiving yards and another score over seven games. He caught an 18-yard touchdown earlier in the game before disaster struck on a pass over the middle.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported Monday morning, “Spoke with sources this morning and Cam Skattebo had surgery Sunday night. He’s doing well, given the circumstances. It was an emergency situation with an open dislocation. That warranted him remaining in Philadelphia for the surgery.”
Spoke with sources this morning and Cam Skattebo had surgery Sunday night. He’s doing well, given the circumstances.
It was an emergency situation with an open dislocation. That warranted him remaining in Philadelphia for the surgery. pic.twitter.com/dQuxROcNc3
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 27, 2025
The difference between an open and closed dislocation is significant, with profound medical implications.
Physical therapist Jeff Mueller broke down the severity on social media, writing, “Open dislocation confirmed for Cam Skattebo, explaining the emergency surgery last night. Main concerns open vs closed: Higher infection risk, likely higher soft tissue trauma, higher risk of nerve damage. While risk is higher, still has a good chance to return to form for 2026.”
Open dislocation confirmed for Cam Skattebo, explaining the emergency surgery last night.
Main concerns open vs closed:
Higher infection risk, likely higher soft tissue trauma, higher risk of nerve damage.
While risk is higher, still has a good chance to return to form for 2026. https://t.co/bOjtlNJSIA
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 27, 2025
Cam Skattebo suffered an open dislocation, meaning the bone broke through the skin — much worse than a closed injury. The risk of infection was high, so doctors had to operate right away instead of waiting to send him back to New York.
Giants coach Brian Daboll said the surgery went well but added, “He’s got a road ahead of him.” The rookie also thanked fans following the surgery. But the biggest concern is nerve damage. If nerves are affected, it could impact his movement and the explosive power that made him special in the first place.
It remains to be seen whether his ankle can handle the demands of NFL football after such a gruesome injury.
Fans Voice Deep Concern Over Skattebo’s Terrifying Injury
The extreme nature of the injury is something else Giants Nation hasn’t seen for a long time. It sent shockwaves through the community, with many immediately grasping the psychological toll this type of trauma carries beyond just the physical damage.
One fan captured the mental health aspect perfectly, writing, “Psychological impact for injuries like this is what concern me. That’s traumatic as hell to look down and see your foot like that. Especially with an open dislocation. My God.”.
Another supporter expressed, “OPEN dislocation? Oh man you hate to hear that. Hopes to a speedy and FULL recovery from one of the best giants we’ve had.”
A third fan kept it brutally simple, penning, “Ugh. That was my concern. Tough news for him.” Sometimes there’s nothing else to say when the worst-case scenario gets confirmed.
Despite the severity of the injury, Mueller offered some hope, saying Skattebo “still has a good chance to return to form for 2026.” The timeline points to a full offseason of rehab which is unfortunate actually.
The Giants announced Monday night that Skattebo has been discharged from the hospital and will begin rehab immediately, starting the first steps of a challenging comeback.