Wednesday’s Giants practice turned into an absolute powder keg, all thanks to running back Cam Skattebo. It’s one thing to have a player with high energy, but New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh went straight for the jugular, actually calling Skattebo’s “infectious” energy more like an “infectious disease type of thing.” Yikes! That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement for team chemistry, is it?
Practice Explodes: Skattebo’s Late Slide Sparks a Brawl
This wasn’t some minor dust-up. Multiple reports confirm that Skattebo’s antics ignited a full-blown fight with Giants defensive backs Jevón Holland and Greg Newsome II. The spark? Skattebo reportedly slid in way too late after catching a pass on August 26, nearly taking out a couple of defenders in the process. Now, we all know the deal with practice drills: defense is usually under orders to avoid hard contact with offensive players to keep everyone healthy. So, when Holland and Newsome took exception to Skattebo’s move and retaliated, you can bet the tempers flared, big time.
This isn’t an isolated incident either. Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News didn’t mince words, reporting that Skattebo “has had it coming” for a while. Turns out, he previously laid a hit on linebacker Zaire Barnes in another situation where contact was prohibited. Connor Hughes of SNY similarly felt an intrasquad scuffle initiated by Skattebo was “a long time coming,” given the second-year back has been jawing with Giants defenders throughout camp. But here’s where it gets spicy: Giants offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor fired back on social media, posting a baseball cap emoji (which means “cap” or “lying”) and writing, “Stop trying to create a BS narrative.” Talk about internal drama! After the altercation, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reported Skattebo was seen on the defensive sideline, “presumably making amends.” Let’s hope so.
What This Means for Big Blue’s Season Opener
Skattebo, who’s just 24 and entering his second year, showed serious flashes last season. Before an ankle injury sidelined him in Week 8, the 2025 fourth-round pick racked up 410 rushing yards on 101 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per pop, with five rushing touchdowns. He also proved his versatility with 207 receiving yards on 24 catches and two receiving touchdowns. The dude can play, no doubt. But can he keep his “infectious” energy from becoming a locker room virus?
The Giants are set to play their final preseason game against the New York Jets on Friday, August 28. Coach Harbaugh hasn’t said if the starters will hit the field for that one. If they’re held out, Skattebo and the rest of Big Blue’s best 22 will have to wait for the regular season opener: “Sunday Night Football” against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13. With this kind of fire brewing in practice, how much will this impact team focus when the Cowboys come to town? You gotta wonder.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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