Giants RB Cam Skattebo Aims for 2,000-Yard Season After Injury-Hindered Rookie Year
The New York Giants enter 2026 with high hopes, led by Super Bowl-winning coach John Harbaugh and emerging star Jaxson Dart at quarterback. However, the spotlight is on rookie running back Cam Skattebo, who is determined to bounce back after a promising yet truncated debut season. In his first eight games, Skattebo showcased his skills with 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns, along with 207 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely due to a dislocated ankle suffered in a Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite this setback, Skattebo remains optimistic about his recovery, stating, "Week 1, I'll be ready to go." Skattebo's rookie stats placed him among an elite group, as he became one of only five players to rush for over 400 yards and receive over 200 yards in the first half of the season, joining notable names like Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Taylor. Yet, he does not view his season as a success. "I had 400 yards on 100 carries. When I play 17-plus games this year, it's going to be 300 carries for over 2,000 yards," he declared, igniting cheers from Giants fans. Achieving 2,000 rushing yards in a single season is a rare feat, accomplished by only nine players in NFL history, including Saquon Barkley in 2024. To reach this milestone, Skattebo would need to average 117.6 rushing yards per game, a significant increase from his previous average of 51.3 yards. He also hinted at the Giants' playoff aspirations, which could provide additional games to achieve his goal. Currently ranked as CBS Sports' consensus No. 16 running back, projections suggest Skattebo may rush for 907 yards and nine touchdowns this season, falling short of his ambitious target. Nonetheless, his determination and talent could make him a player to watch in the upcoming season.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-20