John Harbaugh Vents His Frustration on Reporter Over Giants’ RB Problem Amid Cam Skattebo Situation

Cam Skattebo took zero snaps at running back for the New York Giants in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.

John Harbaugh Vents His Frustration on Reporter Over Giants’ RB Problem Amid Cam Skattebo Situation

Cam Skattebo (Image via IMAGO)

Saquon Barkley left a massive hole in the Giants’ running back room, and they are still searching for a replacement. The Giants thought Cam Skattebo could be the long-term answer when they drafted him last year. However, that experiment is already failing.

Skattebo averaged 3.6 yards per carry in the first five games of the 2026 season, down from 4.1 yards during his rookie year. New York media’s Jordan Raanan wrote on X that the Giants would limit Skattebo’s running game in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints to accommodate Najee Harris.

The Giants combined for just 84 rushing yards, and none of the four designated running backs (Skattebo, Harris, Tyrone Tracy, and Devin Singletary) rushed for more than 18 yards. Skattebo had zero carries in the game.

After the game, reporters asked John Harbaugh about the troubling running back situation featuring Skattebo and the others.

I don’t know what else to say. That’s the best answer you can ever get on that in 1,000 years. There’s not a coach in the world that will give you a better answer than that. If you’re not thrilled with that answer, I got nothing else for you, honestly.

John Harbaugh said via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team

The Giants’ leading rusher was backup quarterback JJ McCarthy, who replaced Jameis Winston after he threw multiple interceptions in the second quarter. McCarthy had two carries for 26 yards.

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Cam Skattebo reflects on his demotion

Skattebo rose through the ranks at Sacramento State before stealing the spotlight at Arizona State. For a brief moment in his final college year, Skattebo was the most talked-about running back in D1 football.

John Harbaugh Vents His Frustration on Reporter Over Giants' RB Problem Amid Cam Skattebo Situation
Cam Skattebo (Image via IMAGO)

The Giants selected Skattebo over Omarion Hampton, Quinshon Judkins, or TreVeyon Henderson in 2025. His old-school style of no-nonsense football appealed to the Big Apple audience.

He racked up 410 yards, and 5 rushing touchdowns on 101 carries in 8 games in his debut campaign. The California native also caught 24 passes for 207 yards and scored two receiving touchdowns.

Skattebo’s season ended after he dislocated his ankle in Week 8. He started the first five games as the Giants lead back but that explosive playing style did not make much impact on the field.

Moreover, his four fumbles came at a great price. The Giants lost momentum and lost two fixtures. The California native spoke about it recently.

I got punished for what I did and I understand it. I gotta be ready when coach calls my name and that wasn’t today…  The message was keep your head down and keep going. They understand the type of player I am and I just gotta continue to do my job and do it to the best of my abilities.

Skattebo said via Charlotte Carroll of TheAthletic.com.

With Harris back to full fitness, Harbaugh opted to take chance with former Steeler. However, Harris only had two yards on four carries. The Saints outgained the Giants by 90 yards on the ground.

McCarthy started by throwing an interception on his fourth pass attempt while the Giants trailed by 24 points in the fourth quarter. McCarthy set up Tracy for a touchdown and also converted the two-point try by connecting with Isaiah Likely.

Two minutes later, McCarthy found Likely for the Giants’ third touchdown. Kicker Domnic Zvada converted a 41-yard field goal to reduce the gap to seven points. But, the Saints held on and the game ended 34-27.

The Giants are now 3-2-1, and the Saints are 2-4 after six matchdays. Next week, the Giants are on the road against the Houston Texans whereas the Saints host the Steelers.

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