Giants’ Skattebo Targets Historic 2,000-Yard Season Amid Leadership Transition
The fourth-round pick from Arizona State declared his rookie year unsuccessful despite early promise, citing a 400-yard total on 100 carries before an ankle injury ended his season.
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has publicly declared his 2025 rookie season unsuccessful and vowed to rush for over 2,000 yards in the 2026 season. Skattebo, who missed the latter part of his rookie year with an ankle injury, aims to surpass the single-season rushing record held by Saquon Barkley. The Giants, now coached by John Harbaugh with Jaxson Dart at quarterback, are optimistic about the upcoming season.
Speaking at a town hall event this week, Skattebo addressed the rehabilitation process following a dislocated ankle sustained during a Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. While he acknowledged the mental challenges of recovery, he expressed confidence in his readiness for Week 1 of the 2026 campaign. The injury ended his 2025 season, but medical expectations suggest it will not impact his availability for the start of the new year.
Skattebo’s assessment of his rookie performance was stark, citing a total of 400 rushing yards on 100 carries. He projected that playing 17-plus games in 2026 would result in 300 carries for over 2,000 yards. This ambition places him in rare company, as only nine NFL players have ever rushed for 2,000 yards in a single season, with Saquon Barkley achieving the feat in 2024 en route to an Offensive Player of the Year award and a Super Bowl victory.
The Giants’ outlook for the upcoming season is bolstered by the appointment of John Harbaugh as head coach and Jaxson Dart at quarterback. Skattebo, a fourth-round pick out of Arizona State, was one of five players to rush for 400 yards and record 200 yards receiving through Week 8, joining elite company including Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson. His physical running style and dedication have endeared him to fans, though his statistical output fell short of his own high standards.
Despite Skattebo’s historic aspirations, CBS Sports’ fantasy projections predict he will rush 208 times for 907 yards and nine touchdowns in 2026, falling short of his stated goal. Skattebo is ranked as the consensus No. 16 running back in fantasy football for 2026 in PPR formats. Nevertheless, he remains a central figure in a young Giants offense that includes Malik Nabers and free agent addition Isaiah Likely, as the team looks to register its first winning season since 2022.
