The New York Giants‘ backfield had an unexpected development as rookie running back Cam Skattebo battled a hamstring injury that significantly impacted his training camp trajectory. Initially projected to compete with Tyrone Tracy Jr. for the primary ball-carrying role, the Arizona State product has been playing catch-up after missing crucial development time.
Fantasy football managers who had circled Skattebo as a potential late-round steal are now facing a more complex decision about his immediate value. While the injury creates uncertainty, it presents a unique opportunity for savvy fantasy players willing to exercise patience.
What Is Cam Skattebo’s Injury?
Skattebo strained his hamstring early in training camp and did not get many reps. However, he returned to practice and played in the Giants’ final preseason game, so fantasy managers don’t need to worry about his Week 1 availability.
Cam Skattebo’s first carry and listen to Elijah Chatman on his block from fullback! pic.twitter.com/EsZ6535Rsi
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) August 22, 2025
However, the bigger concern is that Skattebo missing so much time during training camp and the preseason may make it tougher for the rookie to push Tracy for the RB1 role early in the season. While that may still happen, he is now quite behind schedule. Fantasy managers who draft Skattebo likely won’t be able to start him for a few weeks.
Skattebo’s collegiate resume speaks volumes about his potential, having exploded for over 2,300 total yards and 24 touchdowns in his final season with the Sun Devils.
However, the reality of his current situation suggests fantasy managers should temper their immediate expectations for the Day 3 draft pick. The hamstring strain has effectively handed Tracy Jr. the keys to the Giants’ backfield for the season’s early weeks.
For those willing to stash Skattebo on their bench, his reduced draft cost could eventually pay dividends if he can return to full health and carve out a meaningful role in New York’s offensive game plan.
Skattebo’s Fantasy Football Outlook
Skattebo was the driving force in an Arizona State offense that surprisingly made the College Football Playoffs in 2024. In 13 games, Skattebo handled 293 carries for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 45 receptions for 605 yards and three touchdowns. He frequently ran through tackles with a punishing style, yet had excellent hands in the receiving game.
The Giants took Skattebo in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft thanks to his 4.6 40-yard dash at his pro day. It was an ideal landing spot for the rookie with the team looking for a bigger back that could handle the early down role as a power complement to Tracy.
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Skattebo also has enough receiving ability to turn into a workhorse if Tracy misses time due to injury. There is a chance that he dominates snaps and touches in the Giants’ backfield as a rookie. However, he is more likely an early-down grinder with a short-yardage, goal-line role, particularly after missing so much of training camp and the preseason. This role can be quite valuable in fantasy on the right offenses; unfortunately, the 2025 Giants offense does not look like it will be very good.
Skattebo is a worthy stash while the team figures out the distribution of snaps and touches in the backfield. However, it is hard to imagine he will score enough touchdowns to be consistently fantasy-relevant as a rookie.
