EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Fans searching for a positive Cam Skattebo injury update finally got their wish. The New York Giants’ bruising second-year running back survived a dislocated ankle, and now he is trying to outrun a baby hippopotamus. Skattebo appeared on The Rich Eisen Show this week, dropping a hilarious and optimistic report on his recovery from the brutal Week 8 injury that ended his rookie campaign.
Skattebo racked up 617 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns before the cart came out against Philadelphia last season. Known for a violent, rock-’em-sock-’em running style, his current speed looks a bit different during rehab. You could almost feel the collective relief from the fanbase hearing him joke about his current physical limitations.
When asked about his pace, the 220-pound back laughed and compared himself to an infant hippo—creatures that can actually reach terrifying speeds of 19 to 30 mph. He is currently capping his sprint capacity at 75 percent.
“I can get away from like a baby hippo, maybe. That’s about it. But, yeah, a little bit over a jog. Just kind of striding out, not exploding yet… I ran for the first time today about 75 percent, so it’s the bright side of things.”
— Cam Skattebo, New York Giants Running Back
The Giants underwent a massive offseason facelift. John Harbaugh took the reins from Brian Daboll, bringing a physical identity to East Rutherford. To execute that vision, Harbaugh immediately signed 305-pound Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard. The idea of Ricard leading the way for an already aggressive runner like Skattebo is terrifying.
Skattebo brings a rare human element to the locker room; his infectious energy and bromance with Jaxson Dart made him an instant star. Opposing linebackers, however, will find nothing charming about facing a combined 525 pounds of backfield mass coming downhill.
Skattebo guarantees he will reach full health before OTAs next month. He expects to be fully unleashed by training camp in July. Pairing his relentless motor with Ricard clearing the trenches radically alters New York’s offensive floor for 2026. The Giants lacked a defined identity last fall. Harbaugh is actively constructing a physical bully, and a healthy Skattebo serves as his primary battering ram for crucial third-and-short situations.
