NFL: New York Giants at Miami Dolphins
Aug 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) warms up prior to a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
It would appear New York Giants defenders aren’t too happy with running back Cam Skattebo after he started another fight at practice on Wednesday.
According to the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard, Skattebo got into it with cornerback Greg Newsome after nearly taking out multiple Giants defensive backs with a slide after making a catch on one rep.
Leonard adds that Skattebo’s “act is getting old” with his defensive teammates, especially after he “ran over linebacker Zaire Barnes” at an earlier practice.
“Cam Skattebo started a fight in practice today. He slid down after a reception and came dangerously close to taking out a couple Giants DBs’ legs. The defense isn’t allowed to hit,” Leonard wrote.
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“Jevon Holland and Greg Newsome did not appreciate it. Situation escalated between Skattebo and Newsome,” Leonard added.
“Skattebo has had it coming. He ran over linebacker Zaire Barnes the other day, too, when the defense wasn’t hitting. His act is getting old to his defensive teammates,” Leonard concluded.
Even head coach John Harbaugh hinted Skattebo’s energy could be a problem.
“He got a 15-yard penalty at the end of practice. Did you see that? Yeah it’s infectious. It can be infectious the other way, an infectious disease type of thing,” Harbaugh said. “We want it to be in a positive way.”
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There’s nothing wrong with playing with energy and passion, but that needs to be toned down if it’s putting teammates at risk of injury.
It would appear Skattebo is at least toeing that line and is running the risk of hurting team chemistry, something a team in transition like the Giants simply can’t afford.
And, not to mention, the last thing Skattebo wants to have attached to him is the “toxic” label, which would make it hard for the Giants to keep him.
Cam Skattebo’s 2026 outlook
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) runs with the ball during a preseason opening game between the New York Giants
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) runs with the ball during a preseason opening game between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Skattebo had a solid rookie season.
The Giants running back totaled 410 yards and five touchdowns on 101 carries while adding 24 receptions for 207 yards and two more scores.
Unfortunately, Skattebo’s rookie campaign came to an end early after he suffered a season-ending right ankle injury and it seemed like that took a lot of the wind out of the Giants’ sails.
But Skattebo is now fully healthy and, according to the team’s latest depth chart, is set to return to his starting role.