The text arrived on Giants coach Brian Daboll’s phone at 4:08 a.m. Monday. It was Cam Skattebo checking in the morning after surgery.
Daboll wasn’t surprised that his running back reached out that early.
The two texted frequently following Skattebo dislocating his right ankle in Sunday’s 38-20 loss to the Eagles.
It was a reminder to Daboll of how much the rookie had impacted the team with his energy and physical play in such a short time. Now it will be missed with him sidelined for an extended period of time.
“He’s an infectious personality. That’s Skatt,” Daboll said.
Daboll said Skattebo’s surgery at a Philadelphia hospital went well and the Giants said he was discharged Monday night.
Skattebo thanked his supporters on X in a post that partially read: “Surgery went well. I just want to thank the city of Philly for taking the best care of me . . . . This is just the beginning of my journey and I can’t wait to show you guys all about it!!!
Daboll declined to describe the particulars of Skattebo’s injury. ESPN reported it was an open dislocation, which is an open wound or tear that requires an immediate procedure. NFL Network reported Monday Skattebo is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a dislocated ankle in 2020 that ended his season.
“He’s recovering and obviously he’ll be missed,” Daboll said. “But on the road to recovery.”
It was an abrupt end to a bright spot in a dim Giants season. Skattebo started the last five games alongside fellow rookie Jaxson Dart and the two represented hope the Giants found amidst a third consecutive 2-6 start.
The injury also comes on the heels of the Giants losing star receiver Malik Nabers to a season-ending ACL injury in Week 4 against the Chargers. Nabers has to yet to have surgery as he waits for the swelling to go down in his knee.
In eight games, Skattebo had 617 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns, both tops among rookies. His physical, aggressive style of play not only galvanized the Giants but created more fans who may not have been familiar with his All-American senior season at Arizona State.
Those fans included rivals around the league. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Monday that Eagles chief of security Dom DiSandro brought pizza and cheesesteaks for Skattebo in the hospital.
Right guard Greg Van Roten said that when Skattebo was drafted, he thought he needed to tone down his high energy. But then Van Roten realized how genuine it was and it didn’t take long for the team to embrace him.
“You appreciate that he works hard and it’s contagious,” Van Roten said. “He won guys over quick just with his work ethic and how he approaches the game of football.”
It’s next man up for the Giants, who host the 49ers Sunday. Running backs Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary are well versed in the offense and Tracy is in line to resume his starting job.
Tracy started two of the first three games before missing two games with a shoulder injury. The second-year back hasn’t had a game with more than 10 carries all season but he’s ready to take on a heavier load if needed.
“It really sucks that he’s not going to be out there with me. We had a good duo going.” Tracy said of Skattebo. “But for me to get back out there and get my opportunities, I’m just going to continue to do what I’m doing.”
The Giants could elevate Dante Miller from the practice squad to be a third running back on the roster.
For now, the team’s thoughts remained with Skattebo. From their text messages, Daboll said Skattebo’s spirits seemed good trying to process what’s next after surgery.
The Giants also have to do the same, finishing the season without another key member of the offense.
“These guys spend a lot of time together, meeting time, outside the building,” Daboll said. “And that’s always a tough element to this game is when guys go down and get hurt. You hate to see it. Unfortunately, it’s part of the business.”
Notes & quotes: Receiver Jalin Hyatt was among the inactives Sunday with Lil’Jordan Humphrey once again elevated from the practice squad. It’s the first time this season that Hyatt was an inactive player; he was a healthy scratch along with offensive linemen Evan Neal and James Hudson. Hyatt didn’t play in the first two games but was part of the active roster.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
