Cam Skattebo is in John Harbaugh's doghouse, and he knows it. After entering the season as the New York Giants' starting running back, he logged zero carries in the loss to the New Orleans Saints. His early-season fumbling issues seem to have destroyed the trust that his coaches had in him. Since being benched, Skattebo has accepted his punishment and stated that he "got taught a lesson."
There's still time to recover, though. Big Blue's running back room is wide open, especially after cutting Najee Harris. Skattebo will likely share the workload with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary unless the G-Men make a trade for another back.
Giants legend Brandon Jacobs knows a thing or two about sharing a backfield. He did it for most of his career, and he still managed to be productive. Jacobs had some advice for Skattebo as he bounces back from his fumbling issues.
""When they love you, don't pay nobody no attention. Just keep your f*cking head down and keep working. When they don't love you, don't pay nobody no attention. Just keep your f*cking head down and keep working.""Brandon Jacobs on Instagram
Giants' Cam Skattebo can copy Brandon Jacobs' success after fumbling issues
Jacobs was one of the key members of two Giants Super Bowl teams, but he had to figure out how to share touches with another running back. Even in Jacobs' 1,000-yard seasons, Ahmad Bradshaw was taking a significant share of the carries.
Jacobs had multiple seasons as a backup for the Giants, but his focus on getting better and doing his job made him one of the franchise's most impactful players of the century. Add in his physical play style, and it's hard to think of a better role model for Skattebo.
Skattebo may not regain a role as an obvious starter for Big Blue, at least not in the near future. But if he follows Jacobs' advice, he can still help his team win important games on the road to the playoffs. He just needs to do his job, take the yards that are in front of him, and avoid costly mistakes.
Giants need Cam Skattebo's bounce-back now more than ever
The Giants could sure use Skattebo's impact as they fight to maintain their lead in the NFC East. They have crucial matchups with the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders over the next month. With the uncertainty brought on by starting J.J. McCarthy at quarterback, New York will need stability from its running backs.
We're not expecting Skattebo to become a 1,000-yard rusher this season. That ship has likely sailed already. But if he can be a reliable runner who picks up extra yards without putting the ball in harm's way, it will go a long way toward fueling the Giants' playoff campaign.
His snap share against the Texans in Week 7 will reveal how much trust he has already regained from Harbaugh.
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