Cam Skattebo’s rookie year ended in heartbreaking fashion. The New York Giants running back suffered a severe right ankle fracture and dislocation during New York’s Week 8 loss to the Eagles last October. He was tackled awkwardly by linebacker Zack Baun while catching a pass over the middle. Skattebo was carted off the field with his leg immobilized in an air cast, immediately ending his highly promising rookie season.
Nine months later, Skattebo is trending toward a full recovery as the Giants prepare to head into training camp this month in West Virginia. First-year head coach John Harbaugh has been closely tracking his rehab. The early signs have the coaching staff feeling incredibly optimistic about where their projected No. 1 running back stands ahead of the 2026 season.
John Harbaugh excited about Cam Skattebo’s quick recovery
Appearing on The Domonique Foxworth Show, Harbaugh gave the clearest update yet on Skattebo’s recovery timeline.
Jun 9, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh answers questions from the press after the minicamp activities at Quest Diagnostics Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
“They’re doing well,” Harbaugh said. “They’re both rehabbing every day, working super hard. I would say they’re on schedule. People hear that, and they’re like, ‘Well, what does that mean?’ It’s like, well, ‘I don’t really know because nobody knows.'”
Even though Skattebo was stuck doing mostly individual rehab drills back in the spring, he’s progressed so fast that he’s already pushing to take team reps in 11-on-11s. That’s pretty wild considering he dislocated his ankle less than nine months ago.
Harbaugh definitely expects that momentum to carry right into camp. “They’re doing well, and they’re getting better every day,” Harbaugh said. “I feel like [Skattebo] will be ready early on in camp, really quick.”
Skattebo isn’t the only key piece Harbaugh is monitoring. Wide receiver Malik Nabers, who also suffered a season-ending injury last year, is working his way back on a slightly longer clock.
“And then Malik will be working his way into practice as camp gets started one way or another,” Harbaugh said. “To what degree, we will find out. There’s a lot of optimism about both those two guys right now.”
According to Harbaugh, the timing difference comes down to the types of injuries they had, not to any snag for Nabers. If both of them can get on the field early at camp like everyone expects, the Giants are going to have their top running back and star receiver back in action at the same time.
Rookies are scheduled to report to camp on July 23, and the veterans, including Skattebo, will join them on July 28. Since Harbaugh already confirmed Skattebo is a full go, he will be joining the team for the first practice session.
The team is heading to The Greenbrier in West Virginia for camp, with public practices running from July 30 to August 7. It’s going to be a huge first look at how Matt Nagy designs this new offense and how guys like Tyrone Tracy Jr. mix into the backfield behind a healthy Skattebo.
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