Rookie running back Cam Skattebo, drafted as a fourth-round pick by the New York Giants out of Arizona State, quickly impressed and became a fan favorite of Big Blue.
He carried his explosive college form into the NFL, recording 617 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns before suffering a devastating ankle injury in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
How Did Cam Skattebo Get Injured?
Skattebo suffered the injury while going over the middle to catch a pass from quarterback Jaxson Dart in the second quarter of the Week 8 loss in Philadelphia. Dart released the throw under pressure, and as Skattebo leaped for the ball, he was hit from behind by Eagles linebacker Zack Baun.
Skattebo landed awkwardly with his lower right leg bent underneath him. The broadcast avoided replays due to the graphic nature of the footage, and Skattebo’s right foot appeared misaligned.
The Giants later confirmed that Skattebo suffered a dislocated right ankle, fractured fibula, and ruptured deltoid ligament. It was a compound injury, meaning bone and tissue were exposed, creating a dangerous risk of infection.
What Was Skattebo’s Update on His Injury?
Skattebo later gave a surprisingly calm and optimistic breakdown of his injury on YouTuber N3on’s show, saying doctors told him it was “the best possible” version of an ankle injury.
“I got to the hospital, they said this was the best possible injury,” Skattebo said. “I broke my fibula, the outside bone. I tore the ligament from the top of my foot to my ankle. Since the bone broke, the ankle fully dislocated — it was at like 90 degrees. The tendon that holds your two bones together tore, too.”
“They put in what’s called a tightrope. They drill a hole in your bones and run it through to hold everything together. It’s really strong, that won’t tear again,” he added while describing the surgery.
Avoiding cartilage damage gives Skattebo a real chance at a smooth recovery despite the gruesome nature of the injury.
No. Skattebo has been ruled out for the rest of the 2025 NFL season. He underwent emergency surgery on the same night of his injury. Doctors said the procedure had to be done immediately, as open fractures are orthopedic emergencies, to avoid the risk of infection.
Following a successful surgery, the Giants expect him to return for the 2026 offseason program. Skattebo may also have a strong chance of being ready for training camp in July 2026.
Can the Giants Bounce Back Against New England?
The Giants enter Thanksgiving week with a six-game losing streak and a 2-10 record as they make the trip to face the New England Patriots. Their playoff hopes are long gone, and the focus has shifted to building for next season under interim coach Mike Kafka.
Brian Daboll was fired after finishing with a 20-40-1 record, with just two wins by Week 10 in three straight seasons.
Defense has been the team’s biggest issue. New York has allowed 31.7 points per game during its skid and ranks 29th in PFSN’s Defense Impact (DEFi) rating with a score of 65.4, ahead of only the Cowboys, Commanders, and Bengals.
With Skattebo still out, Tyrone Tracy Jr. is expected to lead the backfield again after logging 23 touches in back-to-back games. Fantasy managers will hope he can stay productive, but he faces a Patriots defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs this season.
