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Sports Pulse
The New York Giants have been without running back Cam Skattebo since the fourth-round rookie suffered a gruesome-looking ankle injury in the team’s Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Skattebo’s injury occurred when he was trying to catch a pass from fellow rookie Jaxson Dart. Skattebo was met by Eagles linebacker Zack Baun from behind as the ball arrived. The running back’s leg got caught under him as he was twisted to the ground.
And once Skattebo rolled onto his back, his right ankle was pointing the wrong direction.
Skattebo was quickly tended to by the Giants’ medical staff. The 23-year-old’s injured right leg was placed into an air cast. He was then taken to the locker room before being taken to a local hospital and having emergency surgery to repair the injury.
Eventually, it was revealed Skattebo had suffered an open ankle dislocation on the play. Additionally, he suffered a fractured fibula and a ruptured deltoid ligament as a part of the injury.
How long will Skattebo be out as a result of those injuries? Here’s what to know about his recovery timeline and when he could return to the field.
When will Cam Skattebo return?
Skattebo will not be returning to the field in 2025. He is expected to miss the rest of the season as he recovers from surgery to repair his dislocated ankle, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
The good news for the Giants? Skattebo is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 months after his ankle injury and surgery. That will allow the 23-year-old to return for the team’s offseason program and put him on track to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
“If all is good and clean and the surgery went as well as everyone believes, he should be back with no issues for next year,” Rapoport said on NFL Network the morning of Oct. 27. “It’s a gruesome injury but the recovery is actually not as bad. We’ve seen several others with similar injuries come back and play the next year. Dak Prescott comes to mind. So, 2026 for Cam Skattebo.”
The Giants did not provide an official timeline for Skattebo’s return from injury. The only update then-coach Brian Daboll gave reporters after the running back’s surgery was that “all went well.”
“He’s recovering,” Daboll said Oct. 27. “Obviously, he’ll be missed but on the road to recovery. … He’s got a road ahead of him.”
Skattebo has been similarly mum about his timetable for return, but he told Blake Niemann of Fox 10 Phoenix that “everything is going good” when asked about his injury while in attendance at his alma mater, Arizona State, for its rivalry game against Arizona on Nov. 28.
“We’re taking the right steps everyday to get better and that’s what matters,” Skattebo said. “We don’t put a timeframe on anything, we’re just gonna continue to work until I’m ready.”
Skattebo has kept busy since suffering his injury. Not only did he attend the Territorial Cup, but he was also in attendance for a WWE event at Madison Square Garden and even briefly got in on the action.
Skattebo, who has been seen standing and using a mobility scooter for his injured right leg, made it clear he would continue to have fun despite facing criticism for his involvement in the WWE skit.
“Aye, honestly if you don’t like that I’m having a good time while dealing with a tough time, then just go ahead and unfollow and casually move on,” Skattebo said. “I’m not able to play football and have the fun I’ve been having my whole life so I am doing things outside the box trying to find stuff to keep me happy. Enjoy the rest of y’all’s week and just don’t talk about me if you ain’t got nothing nice to say”
Giants RB depth chart
The Giants have three healthy running backs remaining in their organization with Skattebo sidelined for the season. Below is a look at the group’s pecking order.
- Tyrone Tracy Jr.
- Devin Singletary
- Eric Gray
- Dante Miller (practice squad)
Tracy has operated as the Giants’ de facto backfield leader in Skattebo’s absence. The Purdue product has generated 239 rushing yards on 58 carries while adding 138 yards and 11 catches through the air.
Singletary has also been involved in the Giants’ ground-heavy attack, totaling 154 yards on 46 carries with two touchdowns while serving as a foil to Tracy.
Gray, a fifth-round pick from 2023, made his season debut in Week 12 against the Lions and played primarily as a kick returner. Meanwhile, Miller has appeared in two games this season but has primarily played special teams. Neither seems likely to play a significant role in the backfield, barring injury.
Skattebo finished the season having 410 yards and five touchdowns on 101 carries. He remains the Giants’ leading rusher, though Tracy is poised to pass him provided he can gain 13 yards in Week 13 against the New England Patriots.
