If New York Giants fans were looking for a sign that head coach Brian Daboll still has his finger on the pulse of this locker room, they got it after Sunday's gut-wrenching 38-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The loss was brutal, but it wasn't the story coming out of the Week 8 tilt.
Related: 3 telling observations from Jaxson Dart’s Week 8 reality check vs Eagles
Cam Skattebo, the rookie spark plug and one of the few bright spots of the 2025 season, was carted off the field with what looked like a season-ending ankle injury. The emotional reaction from his teammates — and especially rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart — said it all. And after the game, head coach Brian Daboll matched that emotion at the podium:
"I feel absolutely terrible for the young man. "Brian Daboll
I mean, that's about as accurate and deflating as it gets.
For a team already reeling after losing Malik Nabers to a torn ACL, this just feels unfairly cruel. Skattebo had emerged as a human-sized fire hydrant in the backfield — the ultimate underdog turned fan-favorite. His touchdown early in the game gave the Giants a fighting chance, tying the game at seven. Then, in an instant, everything changed.
Brian Daboll’s emotional Cam Skattebo quote says it all after brutal injury
Midway through the second quarter, Skattebo’s leg bent awkwardly on an illegal hip-drop tackle from Eagles linebacker Zach Baun, prompting immediate concern. Players cleared the sideline as medical staff rushed in, the cart was brought out, and the broadcast swiftly cut away from the scene.
In a matter of moments, a rookie season that had been full of promise appeared to come to an abrupt and devastating halt.
It’s not just about the stats — though Skattebo’s 587 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns were impressive. It’s about the energy. The edge. The belief he gave to this fanbase. You could see it in the way the offense rallied around him. And in the way Daboll let the emotion out postgame.
You could hear the emotional strain in his voice. He's become a huge admirer of his rookie running back. And he should be. The 23-year-old is special.
Now, the team will turn to Tyrone Tracy Jr., who showed flashes of his own as a rookie last year and will likely lead the backfield moving forward. But it won’t be easy replacing Skattebo in production or presence. This injury hurts more than anyone wants to admit. So props to Daboll for saying what we're all feeling.