Cam Skattebo’s aggressive style has become a talking point at New York Giants training camp, but John Harbaugh wants that energy controlled. The Giants coach addressed Skattebo’s intensity after the running back drew a 15-yard penalty during practice.
“When Scott touches the ball, there’s just a different energy out there,” an NFL reporter told Harbaugh. He was then asked whether that energy could spread throughout the team.
“Well, I mean, Scott’s great. He does bring a lot of energy,” Harbaugh said. “But he did get a 15-yard penalty at the end of practice. Did you notice that?”
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Harbaugh then offered a blunt warning about the downside of Skattebo’s approach. “So that’s not infectious,” he said. “Well, it is infectious, actually. Infectious in the bad way, right? Like an infectious disease type of thing. We don’t want that.”
The message fits Harbaugh’s broader emphasis on discipline and execution. Skattebo can provide physicality and emotion, but penalties and unnecessary confrontations can undermine team structure.
“We want it to be directed in a positive way,” Harbaugh said. That distinction could define Skattebo’s second season as the Giants seek more consistency on offense.
Cam Skattebo’s physical style needs better controlEast Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) carries the ball as Minnesota Vikings defensive end Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (90) tackles during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The comments from Harbaugh followed a heated practice incident involving Skattebo and defensive players. Pat Leonard reported that Skattebo started a fight after sliding near several Giants defensive backs during a non-contact period.
“Jevon Holland and Greg Newsome did not appreciate it,” Leonard wrote. He added that the situation escalated between Skattebo and Newsome before teammates intervened.
Leonard also pointed to an earlier incident involving linebacker Zaire Barnes. “He ran over linebacker Zaire Barnes the other day, too, when the defense wasn’t hitting,” Leonard wrote.
Skattebo’s production gives the Giants reason to embrace his physical identity. He played eight games as a rookie in 2025, rushing for 410 yards and five touchdowns on 101 carries.
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He also caught 24 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns before his season ended with a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle. His return gives the Giants another offensive weapon alongside quarterback Jaxson Dart.
So, technically, Harbaugh’s challenge is not to remove Skattebo’s edge. It is to make that edge useful when the games count.
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