Harbaugh urges Skattebo to stick the landing, vouches for running back's health
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh offered a measured but pointed response after second-year running back Cam Skattebo slipped while attempting a backflip at Fanatics Fest, a public appearance that drew attention given Skattebo's injury history and the proximity of training camp. "My reaction was: Dude, at least stick," Harbaugh said on the "Bleav in Giants" podcast, hosted by broadcasters Bob Papa and Carl Banks. "Land the thing if you're going to do it."
Harbaugh was quick to reassure Giants supporters that the stumble carried no medical consequence. "Skat's going to be ready to go," the coach said. "He's been working super hard. He's really been training like crazy. His mind is on camp. He's healthy. He's ready to roll, and I can't wait to see him at practice." Skattebo's backflips became a recognizable celebration during his rookie season, performed after touchdown scores as he grew into a fan favorite at MetLife Stadium. tvbet casino
The backflip clip landed with particular weight because of what ended Skattebo's 2025 campaign. The Arizona State product - a fourth-round draft selection - had recorded seven total touchdowns and 617 scrimmage yards before linebacker Zack Baun of the Philadelphia Eagles applied a hip-drop tackle, a technique the NFL classifies as illegal, during a road game at Lincoln Financial Field. The contact left Skattebo with a dislocated ankle, ending his season. New York finished 4-13, a result that contributed to the mid-season dismissal of head coach Brian Daboll.
Harbaugh, hired in January 2026 after a successful tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, arrives at a franchise that has reached the playoffs just twice since 2016. He enters his first training camp with a rebuilt offensive infrastructure around Skattebo: fullback Patrick Ricard, his former Ravens blocking specialist, has joined the backfield, while the offensive line was reinforced through the re-signing of right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and the selection of Miami guard Francis Mauigoa with the tenth overall pick in the 2026 draft. The Giants have also added tight end Isaiah Likely and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., returning to the franchise where he began his career, among a group of offensive skill-position additions designed to complement a run-first identity.
