Cam Skattebo is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles because of a hamstring injury, leaving the New York Giants facing the possibility of playing without two of their top running backs.
The designation was reported Friday. It is another setback for a backfield already missing Tyrone Tracy Jr., whom the Giants placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury after their win over the Houston Texans.
Skattebo has not been ruled out. Earlier Friday, Coach John Harbaugh was still leaving open the possibility of him playing, even though the running back again did not practice. The doubtful designation makes an appearance unlikely.
The Giants had a bye between the Houston game and their trip to Philadelphia, but that break has not produced a clear path back for Skattebo. New York’s injury report listed him as a nonparticipant Wednesday and Thursday before his absence continued Friday.
Devin Singletary likely to lead Giants’ depleted backfield
In a subsequent report on Friday’s designation, Devin Singletary was identified as the likely primary running back with Greg Desrosiers and Phil Mafah as the other likely options.
That is the expected arrangement, rather than a confirmed announcement of how the Giants will divide carries.
New York has already taken steps to replenish the position. The team’s transaction record lists Desrosiers’ arrival from the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad on Oct. 27, the same day Tracy went on IR. Eric Gray joined the Giants’ practice squad on Nov. 2.
Harbaugh expressed confidence in the remaining backs when he spoke Wednesday.
“I feel very confident about the running back situation. I like the guys we’ve got,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh also pointed to the practice time available to the newcomers and said they would be prepared if called upon. Friday’s designation brings that contingency closer to becoming the Giants’ game plan.
Skattebo’s absence would follow his best rushing game
Skattebo’s most recent performance showed what New York could be missing. He finished the Oct. 25 game against Houston with 124 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, establishing a career high in rushing yards.
His 42-yard run in overtime preceded Singletary’s 30-yard touchdown, which gave the Giants a 27-21 victory. Singletary now could be asked to handle a much larger role than delivering that finishing play.
Through seven games, Skattebo has 418 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He is the only Giants player to have exceeded 100 rushing yards this season, underscoring how much of their ground production is at risk of being unavailable.
The Giants enter Sunday at 4-2-1 and face another divisional game against Washington on Thursday. For now, Skattebo’s status remains doubtful, with Singletary the likely lead option if he cannot play.
