The New York Giants would like to see running back Cam Skattebo receive 15 to 20 carries during Thursday night’s divisional game against the Washington Commanders.
ESPN reports the team is targeting a workload of 15 to 20 carries for the second-year back as they brace for a forecast of wet, rainy conditions.
Skattebo has been cleared to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup after missing the Week 9 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles with a hamstring injury, according to RotoBaller. The 24-year-old has tallied 418 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 98 carries this season. His most productive performance occurred in Week 7 against the Houston Texans, where he notched a career-high 124 yards and a score before his injury sidelined him.
The decision to feature Skattebo comes on the heels of a quiet trade deadline for New York. The organization previously offered a second-round pick and a fifth-round selection for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor before rescinding the proposal, according to Fox Sports. CBS Sports reports the Giants withdrew the offer after failing to reach an agreement with the Colts, who maintained a high asking price.
"[The Commanders] have to put together a complete game."@JFowlerESPN previews the Giants-Commanders game tonight 🏈 pic.twitter.com/KRIAUecod4
Skattebo remains focused on his own progression as he looks to re-establish himself in the offense.
“You’ve seen what I can do,” Skattebo said Tuesday, per NJ.com. “When I come out and I’m ready to play football, I can be one of the most dangerous backs in the league. Simple as that.”
He acknowledged the team’s interest in outside talent but pointed to his limited experience as a factor in his current output.
“I would be skeptical, too, if my running back was going for 60 yards a game and not really exploding out,” Skattebo told NFL. “But I’m still getting comfortable, man. This is like my 13th game in the league. I’m not even through a full football season yet.”
Giants wanted to get Cam Skattebo at least 15 to 20 touches tonight, depending on flow of the game and the conditions. Already at five touches: Three rushes for 23 yards and two catches for 37 yards.
With the Giants sitting at 5-2-1 and leading the NFC East, the coaching staff is expected to lean into a run-heavy approach to mitigate the risks posed by the inclement weather. RotoBaller said that this strategy could also open the door for increased opportunities for backup running back Devin Singletary.
Cam Skattebo says the #Giants offense failed to close the game out. He also says he thinks the stadium could be a bit louder when the defense is on the field in critical moments Then he said this about not getting the ball in some key short yardage downs late: “It sucks, and… pic.twitter.com/j5uWaTURHb”
Once a defiant Giant, always a defiant Giant Great line @NYPost_Serby after chatting with Cam Skattebo's dad about his son's reset. https://t.co/wzdfWYEUQ7 #Giants
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