John Harbaugh admonishes Cam Skattebo over 'infectious disease' after Giants skirmish
John Harbaugh admonishes Cam Skattebo over 'infectious disease' after Giants skirmish
Sian Jones Thu, August 27, 2026 at 4:11 PM UTC
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John Harbaugh has called out Giants running back Cam Skattebo -Credit:Getty Images
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh has warned Cam Skattebo after the running back was involved in a heated training camp skirmish.
Skattebo quickly became a fan favourite during his rookie season with the Giants, earning praise for his passion, energy and physical style of play. His performances on the field further strengthened his reputation before an ankle injury suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8 ended his campaign.
Now back in action and looking to build on his promising start, Skattebo may need to rein in some of his trademark intensity after reportedly taking things too far during training camp. It comes as a New England Patriots star lashed out at a frustrating issue just weeks before the new NFL season.
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According to NY Daily News Sports' Pat Leonard, Skattebo “started a fight” during the Giants' final day of training camp on Wednesday. The running back slid after making a reception and reportedly came dangerously close to taking out defensive backs Jevon Holland and Greg Newsome, who then confronted their second-year teammate.
Harbaugh has urged Skattebo to channel his trademark energy in a different way following the training camp incident. "He got a 15-yard penalty at the end of practice. Did you see that? Yeah, it's infectious. It can be infectious the other way, an infectious disease type of thing. We want it to be in a positive way," said Harbaugh.
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The 24-year-old has yet to publicly address the incident, but teammate Jermaine Eluemunor has already come to his defense. The Giants offensive lineman hit back at Leonard, accusing him of trying to create a “bull**** narrative” around the situation.
Skattebo's health will be a key factor for the Giants as they prepare to begin a new era under Harbaugh. New York's rushing attack ranked among the NFL's top five last season, with Skattebo playing a significant role in its success. The running back finished the year with 410 rushing yards, 24 receptions for 207 yards and seven total touchdowns.
Cam Skattebo reportedly started a fight on the last day of training camp -Credit:New York Giants
The Arizona State product is continuing his recovery from an open tibia fracture, ruptured deltoid ligament and right ankle dislocation that brought his rookie season to an early end.
Despite the serious injury, Skattebo has maintained his trademark energy, even breaking one of Harbaugh's golden rules by performing a backflip during a Fanatics festival event in July.
Harbaugh and the Giants will be hoping Skattebo and quarterback Jaxson Dart can build on the promising connection they developed last season, which quickly made them popular figures among the team's fanbase.
The Giants face the New York Jets in their final preseason matchup this weekend, with the game serving as the last opportunity for players to impress before the 53-man rosters are finalized.
It comes as Odell Beckham Jr. made his feelings clear on Harbaugh to the Giants' front office.
Source: “AOL Sports”
