Cam Skattebo posted 122 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on Thursday. The New York Giants fell 24-21 to the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium.
The loss dropped the Giants to 5-3-1 in the NFC East standings. Division rivals close the gap following Thursday night’s result.
Skattebo returned to action after missing the previous week. He sustained a hamstring tear in Week 7.
Skattebo Vomits and Stares at Camera
Skattebo drew considerable attention during the broadcast. Cameras caught the running back vomiting on the sideline during the first half. He broke into laughter.
Postgame questioning brought a blunt explanation from the player.
“Yeah, I just had a pretzel-wrapped hot dog. It didn’t sit right on the stomach. Nothing crazy: got rid of it, and felt good after,” Skattebo said to the media after the loss, according to HITC.
I asked John Harbaugh about that fourth down play in which Cam Skattebo delayed coming forward and why that was. He clarified it wasn't a tush push, but rather a QB sneak. He also mentioned that they have different types of sneaks in the playbook. So no, Skattebo was not asleep…
Skattebo stared directly into a Prime Video camera later in the contest. It lasted for roughly 10 seconds at the start of the fourth quarter.
Broadcaster Al Michaels laughed on the air. “He knows where the camera is,” Michaels said.
The running back’s rationale remained “known only to him,” as noted in JournalArta reporting.
Winston Sneak Fails as Skattebo Stays Stationary
Late in the fourth quarter with a 21-17 lead, the Giants faced a third-and-1 at the Washington 11-yard line. Head coach John Harbaugh sent quarterback Jameis Winston in for a sneak. Skattebo remained stationary in his stance rather than pushing Winston from behind.
Why did Cam Skattebo not push the tush? John Harbaugh is kicking himself for being the ‘Who let the dogs out?’ ppay but not why you think Any second-guessed punts? https://t.co/sppP6s8jTq
The Commanders stopped the forward progress. That halted the drive.
Harbaugh defended Skattebo the following day. He explained that the play design did not call for the running back to shove the quarterback forward.
Skattebo finishes off a 16-play, 72-yard drive with a BACKFLIP. WASvsNYG on Prime Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Og2hdm88pw
We had a certain check involved in it, so he wasn’t supposed to be up there pushing. We didn’t call the same [QB sneak] that we’ve been calling.
John Harbaugh, New York Giants Head Coach, via NBC Sports
Harbaugh said to the New York Post that “That was a different kind of play, that was a normal quarterback sneak.”
Fullback Patrick Ricard also lined up as a tight end. Harbaugh added that Ricard did not push Winston either.
Giants wanted to get Cam Skattebo at least 15 to 20 touches tonight, depending on flow of the game and the conditions. Already at five touches: Three rushes for 23 yards and two catches for 37 yards.
Following the failed conversion on third down, Winston attempted to draw the Commanders offside on fourth-and-1. He shouted, “Who let the dogs out?”
Harbaugh admitted in hindsight that the trickery was a mistake. A resulting delay of game penalty backed up punter Jordan Stout.
John Harbaugh said this wasn't supposed to be a tush-push. Cam Skattebo wasn't expected to come up behind Jameis Winston on this play. "That was a different kind of play. That was a normal quarterback sneak." https://t.co/56uHeCLvWU
If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t even try to do it.
John Harbaugh, New York Giants Head Coach, via New York Post
Dominic Zvada Misses and Fourth Downs Dictate Punting
Harbaugh pointed to kicker Dominic Zvada when addressing special teams struggles. All six of Zvada’s missed field goals this season occurred from the right hash.
“There is a technique issue there with his plant foot that we’re looking at,” Harbaugh said to the New York Post.
The Giants punted three times across midfield. Those came on fourth-and-12 at the 42, fourth-and-3 at the 46, and fourth-and-5 at the 41.
Harbaugh explained that analytics and comfort levels dictated those decisions. He acknowledged the team might adopt a more aggressive approach in future games.
Cam Skattebo 1-yard touchdown run with 2:35 left in the first half. Dom Zvada PAT is good. Giants 7-3. Skattebo fights through tackle attempt by Jeremy Reeves, who wrapped his legs. Runs off seal block by Pat Ricard. Giants go 16 plays, 72 yards in 7:48 to take the lead.
Skattebo Prepares for Matchup Against Jacksonville
Skattebo finished the Thursday night defeat with 18 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns on runs of one and 13 yards. He added three receptions for 44 yards against the Commanders.
Through eight games this season, he has accumulated 496 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Skattebo showed no lingering issues from his previous hamstring injury. He will prepare for a Week 11 home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, November 22, 2026, according to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast.
