Rookie running back Cam Skattebo can help the Giants’ offense this season, but he has to be on the field to do it.
Skattebo, 23, a first-team All-American from Arizona State, had a “setback” with a leg injury when he returned to practice Friday for two 11-on-11 carries, coach Brian Daboll said Saturday before practice.
“He’s working back from rehabbing something so had a little bit of setback yesterday and won’t do anything today,” Daboll said before the ninth practice of camp.
The fourth-round pick gained some hard yards on Monday while receiving first-team carries behind starting quarterback Russell Wilson.
But Skattebo sat out Tuesday’s and Thursday’s practices — with an off day in between — and still wasn’t able to get through a limited workload on Friday.
The exact severity of his leg injury wasn’t known as of early Saturday morning. Skattebo sat out most of the spring with an injury issue that was kept quiet, too, though. So this could be something that requires significant time off.
Undrafted rookie running back Rushawn Baker also hurt his leg during 1-on-1 receiving routes on Saturday. So the Giants were down to just three healthy running backs for Saturday’s team periods: Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary and Dante Miller.
That could send GM Joe Schoen to the free agent pool to add a running back leading into next week’s preseason opener at Buffalo.
Baker was able to return to a side field and work with trainers after leaving Saturday’s practice, but it remains to be seen how the Elon product recovers on Sunday’s off day. He had his bell rung on Friday, as well, though Daboll said he was OK to practice Saturday.
Skattebo, the No. 105 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, finished fifth in last year’s voting for the Heisman Trophy. He became the first Division-I FBS player since Christian McCaffrey in 2015 to have at least 1,500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season. And his 1,143 yards after contact last season ranked No. 2 in the country.
He has been featured as both a runner and receiver early in camp, and Daboll has shown a strong affinity for involving Skattebo heavily in the offense.
For now, unfortunately, it seems like it will have to wait.
JAMEIS PLAYS THE HERO
Wan’Dale Robinson made an unlikely touchdown catch while lying on his back Saturday. Dru Phillips tipped Wilson’s deep pass up in the air. Robinson caught it while lying down and got up to scamper into the end zone.
Rookie QB Jaxson Dart also found the end zone with a step through in the pocket and a fourth-and-goal touchdown pass to rookie receiver Jordan Bly.
Jameis Winston was the team hero, though, for being the only quarterback of the Giants’ four passers to hit the crossbar of the goal posts during a post-practice Daboll game.
Winston’s crossbar connection got the players out of more walkthroughs, one player said. Wilson and Dart sailed their throws high, however, and DeVito’s fluttered way short, with opportunities to get the team out of meetings and even to end their day early altogether.
SLAYTON, GOLSTON NOT ON FIELD
Wide receiver Darius Slayton and defensive lineman Chauncey Golston both did not practice on Saturday, the first time either player has been held off the field this camp. Corner Cor’Dale Flott and wide receiver Beaux Collins remained out while nursing undisclosed issues. Collins at least did some jogging workouts on a side field.
Rookie tight end Thomas Fidone II did not practice after leaving Friday’s session early. Defensive tackles D.J. Davidson, Elijah Chatman and Jordon Riley all remained out, too. Chatman practiced Friday but has missed two of the last three. Davidson seems to have both injury and personal matters. Riley is hurt.
Inside linebacker Ty Summers and corner Korie Black didn’t practice, either. Right guard Greg Van Roten (paternity) remained out but should be back at practice on Monday after Sunday’s off day.
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