​The New York Giants felt like they hit gold in the 2025 NFL Draft when they selected Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo with the 105th overall pick in the fourth round. Although he started the season behind Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary, Skattebo quickly proved himself the most explosive of the group. In eight appearances with five starts, he logged 125 touches for 617 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns, showcasing the kind of physical tools that made him a fan favorite. Unfortunately, his promising rookie campaign ended early with a season-ending ankle injury suffered in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Looking ahead to his second season, the 24-year-old appears primed for a return to prominence and could be on the verge of a breakout year. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport compiled a list of NFL running backs who are in the “best position” for a breakout season in 2026, and Skattebo earned a spot on that list. Davenport recalled that for a stretch last year, after he took over the starting role in New York, Skattebo averaged close to 100 total yards and a touchdown per game over a month-long span, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Then the injury struck, abruptly ending the momentum. Davenport noted that Skattebo is expected to be a full-go for Week 1, with Giants head coach John Harbaugh expressing optimism that Skattebo will again be a wrecking ball in his second season. He added that Skattebo should play a substantial role in the 2026 offense, especially if Malik Nabers isn’t ready for Week 1.
As Davenport highlights, the Giants may lean heavily on their ground game to open the season. With Nabers’ recovery status uncertain, New York’s passing attack could be missing its top option, potentially increasing Skattebo’s workload early on. If he remains healthy, those increased touches should translate into productive production, signaling a true breakout season for the Giants’ 2024 fifth-round find.
While Skattebo might be the street’s favorite to emerge as the Giants’ top running back, there’s no reason to overlook Tyrone Tracy. Tracy delivered a solid finish to last season, appearing in 11 games and starting 11 times, rushing 176 times for 740 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He stepped up when needed, answering the call for a team that relied on him more as the year progressed. In a backfield that projects to feature Skattebo as the lead option, there should still be ample touches to go around, ensuring a healthy, competitive dynamic in the Giants’ rushing attack.
Head coach Harbaugh’s history with Baltimore Ravens teams—renowned for their insistence on a hard-nosed running game—adds an extra layer of anticipation. If Skattebo can translate that identity to the Giants’ offense, he could maximize opportunities and help drive the team’s rushing efficiency in 2026. The combination of a leaner, more vertical line of attack and a back who thrives on power and burst gives Skattebo a solid foundation for a potential breakout season, assuming continued health and successful integration into the Giants’ offensive system.