The New York Giants' brief resurgence under head coach Brian Daboll suffered a major setback on Sunday when rookie running back Cam Skattebo sustained a dislocated ankle against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The injury, which occurred in the second quarter of the 38-20 loss, silenced Lincoln Financial Field as players averted their eyes from the distressing scene.
The game had marked another opportunity for the Giants to assess their promising rookie duo of quarterback Jaxson Dart and Skattebo, who were seen as a potential long-term foundation after the failed Russell Wilson experiment.
Skattebo, a fourth-round pick, had quickly established himself as a versatile offensive weapon, recording 587 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns before the injury ended his season prematurely.
FOX broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt summarized the moment succinctly during the telecast: "The Giants have had some good moments here... but they absorbed the tough injury to Cam Skattebo, which was brutal." His words reflected the deflation that followed the team's brightest offensive spark being lost.
With Skattebo ruled out indefinitely, Tyrone Tracy Jr. now assumes the lead role in the Giants' backfield. While not as explosive as Skattebo, Tracy provides consistency, pass protection, and ball security-qualities New York urgently needs.
Last season, the former Purdue standout appeared in all 17 games, starting 12, and totaled 839 rushing yards with four touchdowns. Through five games in 2025, he has already logged 120 rushing yards and one touchdown, maintaining a reputation for reliability with zero fumbles.
NFL legend Tom Brady, now part of FOX's broadcast team, emphasized Tracy's importance in his on-air analysis. "They have Tyrone Tracy, who did have a thousand yards rushing as a rookie last year," Brady noted, slightly overstating the figure but capturing the essence of his point: New York still has a viable rushing option.
He urged the Giants not to abandon the run game, adding, "There's no reason to... he's getting good protection from his guys up front."
Beyond identifying Tracy as a replacement, Brady also addressed the broader emotional and professional challenge facing Skattebo. Drawing from his own experience, he said: "I know it's a tough injury, but that's football; you've got to deal with it. You've got to go into a tough environment against the defending champions and find a way to compete."
Brady's remarks underscored the unforgiving nature of the NFL, where opportunity and adversity often arrive in the same breath. For Skattebo, the setback halts what had been one of the most promising rookie campaigns in the league.
For the Giants, the focus now shifts from potential to resilience.
As Daboll's team regroups, the offense must lean on Tracy's steadiness and Dart's development to remain competitive in a demanding NFC East. The Giants' season narrative has shifted-from breakout optimism to survival-but the next few weeks will determine whether New York can transform adversity into renewed purpose.