The New York Giants’ promising rookie running back, Cam Skattebo, saw his breakout season come to a heartbreaking halt on Sunday, October 26, 2025, when he suffered a gruesome ankle injury during the second quarter of the team’s Week 8 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles. The moment was as stunning as it was sobering for both teams and fans in attendance at Lincoln Financial Field.
It all unfolded with 8:07 remaining in the second quarter. Skattebo caught a short pass from quarterback Jaxson Dart—a fellow 2025 draft pick and close friend—only to be brought down by an Eagles defender. The tackle twisted Skattebo’s right leg awkwardly underneath him, and the reaction was immediate and visceral. Players from both sidelines gasped, and FOX Sports, broadcasting the game, declined to show a replay, describing the play as “too graphic to show.”
Medical personnel rushed onto the field as Giants teammates, visibly shaken, surrounded Skattebo in a tight circle. Some players dropped to a knee, while others turned away, unable to witness the severity of the injury. Connor Hughes of SNY captured the gravity of the moment, posting, “Here’s the entire Giants bench surrounding the injured Cam Skattebo, who looks to have suffered a serious foot/ankle injury,” alongside a photo showing the entire New York sideline forming a rare, emotional ring around their fallen teammate.
Skattebo’s right leg was immediately immobilized, and he was placed in an air cast before being carted off the field. Eagles players knelt and bowed their heads as the cart made its way toward the tunnel, while the notoriously tough Philadelphia crowd set rivalry aside to offer a rousing ovation—an unmistakable sign of respect for the hard-charging rookie who had already made his mark on the league.
Before the injury, Skattebo had already made a significant impact on the game, scoring his team-leading seventh touchdown of the season on an 18-yard reception from Dart. He finished the day with three carries for 12 yards and one catch for 18 yards and the score, bringing his season totals to 617 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns—numbers that led all NFL rookies entering Week 8.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll was quick to express his sympathy after the game. “I feel absolutely terrible for the young man. Obviously, saw it looked bad. I know you feel for anybody on your team that goes down and has a really bad injury ... and I know the players feel the same way about him,” Daboll told reporters. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, Skattebo’s draft classmate and close friend, was equally emotional: “I was devastated. It’s my boy, man, so seeing him go down and obviously reacting to what happened, that sucks. It’s the worst part of this game.”
The Giants organization confirmed that Skattebo was taken to a local Philadelphia hospital for further evaluation and was scheduled to undergo surgery Sunday night. Dr. David Chao, former team physician for the Chargers and founder of SICscore.com, offered his assessment via social media, stating, “Hopefully without infection (he is facing) surgery and good recovery for next season.” While the team has not yet released an official diagnosis, multiple reports confirmed that Skattebo suffered a dislocated right ankle—a potentially season-ending injury for the 23-year-old rookie.
The loss of Skattebo is a massive blow for a Giants squad already riddled with injuries. Tight end Daniel Bellinger (neck), cornerbacks Cor'Dale Flott (concussion), and Art Green (hamstring) also exited Sunday’s contest with injuries, adding to the team’s mounting woes. But Skattebo’s absence stings on a different level. In just eight games, he had become a fan favorite in New York, his relentless energy and physical running style breathing life into a Giants offense searching for identity and consistency.
Skattebo’s journey to the NFL was a story in itself. Drafted in the fourth round out of Arizona State, where he earned All-American honors, he signed a four-year, $5.27 million contract after the draft. He wasted no time in electrifying the Giants fan base, tallying 587 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns before Sunday’s game. His exploits didn’t go unnoticed by his peers, either. Former starting running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who had been supplanted by Skattebo earlier in the season, was among the last to leave his side as the cart drove off, a testament to the rookie’s impact in the locker room.
Skattebo’s week had already been eventful before the injury. The NFL fined him twice: $15,000 for entering the team’s medical tent to check on Jaxson Dart after a head injury, and $6,157 for unnecessary roughness in the previous week’s loss to the Denver Broncos. Despite the setbacks, Skattebo remained unflappable. “I don’t really have any comments on it. Just glad Jaxson’s healthy. That’s it,” he told reporters, displaying a maturity and focus that quickly earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
As Skattebo was carted off, he acknowledged the crowd and his teammates, pointing skyward in a gesture of gratitude and resilience. Eagles fans, often known for their hostility toward opposing players, joined in applause—a rare moment that transcended rivalry and underscored the respect Skattebo had garnered across the league.
For the Giants, the immediate challenge is clear: how to fill the massive void left by their emotional and on-field leader. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is expected to step into a larger role, with the team’s depth chart being tested yet again. But as any football fan knows, replacing Skattebo’s heart and presence isn’t as simple as plugging in another player. His energy and toughness had come to define this Giants offense, providing a spark when few others could.
As the Giants turn their attention to the rest of the season, the focus shifts from individual accolades to collective resilience. The entire organization, from coaches to players to fans, now rallies behind Skattebo, hoping his recovery is as fearless and determined as the way he carried the football. The rookie’s journey may be on pause, but his impact on the Giants—and the league—will be felt long after the final whistle of Week 8.
For now, all of New York holds its breath, waiting for updates on Skattebo’s surgery and recovery. One thing’s for sure: the rookie running back has already proven he has the heart of a Giant, and the entire football world will be rooting for his return.
