Giants RB Cam Skattebo reveals he considered retirement after serious injury

The New York Giants running back has admitted that he seriously considered retirement while recovering from the severe ankle injury he suffered in October 2025.

Now back on the field, the 24-year-old is approaching the 2026 season with a different perspective on football and his career.

Skattebo had promised himself he would stop after a major injury

Before the Giants selected him in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Skattebo had set himself one strict rule: suffering a major injury would mean the end of his playing career.

“Coming out of college and going into the NFL, I gave myself one rule: If I ever got a major injury, I was done playing”, he said on Up & Adams.

That scenario arrived during his rookie season. Skattebo sustained a devastating ankle injury against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. He underwent surgery and missed the remainder of the campaign.

The running back admitted that he questioned his future during the opening weeks of rehabilitation.

“The first month was kind of like, ‘Do I really want to do this?’”, he told Kay Adams.

As the recovery continued, however, his desire to return became stronger.

“I had only played seven games. I knew I had to go back and play. There was no chance I was going to retire.”

Skattebo's short but promising rookie season

Before the injury, Skattebo had quickly established himself in New York’s offense. His physical running style and energy made him one of the most popular players among Giants supporters.

Across eight appearances, including five starts, he recorded:

• 101 carries for 410 yards;
• 5 rushing touchdowns;
• 24 receptions for 207 yards;
• 2 receiving touchdowns.

Skattebo therefore produced 617 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns, despite his season ending in October.

Beyond the statistics, his willingness to embrace contact and contribute as both a runner and receiver made him one of New York’s most promising offensive players.

An experience that changed him

Skattebo believes the rehabilitation process helped him better understand the player and person he wanted to become.

“That helped me find who I am as a player and as a person”, he explained.

The extended period away from football gave him time to reflect on his career, priorities, and life away from the field.

“That’s something I’ve built over the last nine or 10 months. Now I can focus on football again. I’ve told my family and friends: It’s football time now.”

In a separate NFL Network interview, Skattebo insisted that he had not simply returned as the same player.

“I’m not back to being me. I’m back to being a better me.”

What will Cam Skattebo’s role be with the Giants?

Skattebo remains an important part of New York’s offensive plans, although competition in the backfield will be significant. The Giants carried four running backs on their initial roster:

• Cam Skattebo;
• Tyrone Tracy Jr.;
• Devin Singletary;
• Najee Harris.

The addition of fullback Patrick Ricard could complement Skattebo’s physical style. However, John Harbaugh’s coaching staff will need to manage the young running back’s workload carefully following such a serious injury.

Skattebo set for a high-profile return against Dallas

Skattebo is expected to return to regular-season action in one of the headline games of Week 1. The Giants will host the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Sunday Night Football.

The game is scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 14, at 1.20am BST.

Less than a year after considering walking away from football, Skattebo will have the opportunity to represent the Giants again on one of the NFL’s biggest stages.

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