The New York Giants walked out of Houston with a 27-21 overtime win over the Texans, and running back Cam Skattebo played a major role with 124 rushing yards. His night was not all highlights, though. One first-quarter collision drew a flag and plenty of debate on the sideline and online. Now the league office has weighed in, and the latest development adds a costly chapter to Skattebo’s season.
Cam Skattebo fined for second helmet violation
The NFL fined Skattebo $7,073 for illegal use of the helmet, according to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo. The penalty stems from a first-quarter run against Houston, when Skattebo lowered his helmet into Texans safety M.J. Stewart. Officials threw a 15-yard unnecessary roughness flag, which wiped out a gain of about seven yards.
This is not the first time. Skattebo drew the same $7,073 fine after the Giants’ Week 3 win over the Titans, a play officials never flagged during the game. Garafolo noted the amount is the discretionary figure under the league’s schedule. The listed fines are $23,882 for a first offense and $47,762 for a second.
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Oct 25, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) runs with the ball during overtime against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Skattebo made his stance clear. If the flags and fines keep coming, “The NFL loves to post me when I do stuff like that but then also wants to take stuff from me,” he said afterward. “I’m going to run the ball like I want to run the ball. If I’m going to continue to get flags for it or fined for it, guess I’m going to play for free.” Giants coach John Harbaugh also objected to the call.
Skattebo was the first ball carrier flagged for lowering his helmet this season, according to Garafolo. The call drew pushback from fans and former players such as Drew Brees and Jason Kelce. But the fine is only one piece of a bigger turnaround for the running back this month.
Skattebo bounced back with a career-best day in Houston
Skattebo entered the Texans game after a quiet Week 6, when he did not receive a carry. He was reinstated as the starter and responded with a career-best 124 rushing yards on 17 carries, plus one touchdown. He averaged 7.3 yards per carry.
His biggest play came in overtime. A 42-yard run set up Devin Singletary’s 30-yard touchdown, which sealed the win. Skattebo reportedly felt some hamstring discomfort on that carry, but Garafolo noted the Giants left Houston without an injured reserve candidate.
That news is a major boost for a Giants offense that leaned on its lead back all afternoon. Even so, the backfield remains a talking point around the league, with the Giants appearing in the Jonathan Taylor trade chatter.
The Giants (4-2-1) head into their Week 8 bye with momentum before a trip to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. ET. Skattebo will aim to stay productive and penalty free against a division rival.
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