Copyright Athlon Sports
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo suffered a serious right ankle dislocation during Sunday’s Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving fans and teammates heartbroken. The injury occurred midway through the second quarter as Skattebo leapt to catch a pass from quarterback Jaxson Dart, only to be pulled down awkwardly by Eagles linebacker Zach Baun. As Skattebo landed, his right leg twisted beneath him, and television replays showed his ankle turning inward in a distressing way. The stadium fell silent as the medical team rushed onto the field. Skattebo covered his face in pain as teammates took a knee beside him. Even Eagles fans at Lincoln Financial Field gave the young running back a standing ovation as he was carted off, tapping his chest and pointing to his teammates in appreciation. Moments later, the Giants confirmed that Skattebo sustained a dislocated right ankle and was being taken to a Philadelphia hospital for immediate surgery. NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that Skattebo would remain in Philadelphia overnight for further evaluation. The injury halted what had been an impressive rookie campaign for the former Arizona State standout, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Doctor Explains Severity of Cam Skattebo’s Injury Sports medicine physician Dr. Jesse Morse, known for his analysis of professional athlete injuries, shared an in-depth breakdown of Skattebo’s condition on X. “He suffered a right ankle fracture dislocation—or at least definitely,” Dr. Morse said. “These are awful injuries. They’re very hard to come back from. Realistically, we’re looking at a season-ending situation and potentially one or two surgeries, depending on the damage.” Dr. Morse explained that such injuries often involve torn ligaments, fractured bones and damaged nerves or blood vessels. “You have to make sure the tendons, ligaments and nerves are put back into proper alignment,” he noted. “If nerves are stretched, that can cause long-term problems.” According to the sports doctor, recovery timelines for this kind of injury can vary but are typically extensive. He compared Skattebo’s situation to Dak Prescott’s severe ankle injury in 2020, which required a full year of rehabilitation before the Dallas Cowboys quarterback returned to form. Dr. Morse also cited Chris Godwin’s recovery from a similar dislocation in 2024, which took around 11 months before the Tampa Bay receiver was cleared for game action. “If Skattebo’s case follows that pattern, there’s a real chance he may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season,” Morse warned. Still, Dr. Morse expressed hope that the damage might be limited. “I hope this was just a dislocation and not a fracture. If that’s the case, there’s a chance for a smoother recovery,” he said. A Devastating Blow to the New York Giants’ Offense Before the injury, Skattebo had become a key part of the Giants’ offense. In just seven games, he rushed for 398 yards and five touchdowns while adding 23 receptions for 189 yards and another score. Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart called the loss “devastating,” noting how much energy Skattebo brought to the huddle. The Giants were already struggling with injuries to their young offensive stars. Second-year wide receiver Malik Nabers was lost for the season in Week 4 with a torn ACL, leaving the offense short-handed once again. With Skattebo now sidelined, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary are expected to share running back duties for the remainder of the season. Tracy filled in during the second half against the Eagles, recording 39 yards on 10 carries. The Giants, now 2-6 on the season, face an uphill battle both on the field and in the training room. While Skattebo’s injury marks a major setback, experts believe his youth and determination could help in his recovery. For now, Giants fans will have to wait and see whether Cam Skattebo can make the long climb back to the player he was just days ago.
