Cam Skattebo's 'infectious' Energy Ignites Fight At Giants Practice

Infectious energy can be a great thing for NFL teams, but infectious diseases – those are always something to avoid.

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh characterized running back Cam Skattebo's energy on Wednesday, Aug. 26 as more of the latter. Skattebo's antics in practice on Wednesday ignited a fight with Giants defensive backs Jevón Holland and Greg Newsome II, according to multiple reports.

Asked about "infectious" energy from Skattebo on Aug. 26, Harbaugh criticized Skattebo's antagonizing, according to a report.

"Yeah it’s infectious. It can be infectious the other way, an infectious disease type of thing. We want it to be in a positive way," Harbaugh reportedly said.

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Skattebo reportedly slid late after catching a pass during practice on Aug. 26 and nearly took out a couple of defenders in doing so. Holland and Newsome, taking exception because the defense was not allowed to make hard contact with offensive players, retaliated.

Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported that Skattebo "has had it coming" after he laid a hit on Giants linebacker Zaire Barnes in another situation when the defense was prohibited from making contact. Connor Hughes of SNY similarly believed an intrasquad scuffle initiated by Skattebo was "a long time coming," since the second-year back reportedly had been jawing with Giants defenders throughout camp.

Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reported that after the altercation, Skattebo "was on the defensive sideline later in practice, presumably making amends."

Giants player calls 'cap' on Skattebo attitude issue

Giants offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor responded to Leonard's initial report in a social media post of his own after practice.

"???? (a baseball cap emoji, which is usually used to insinuate someone is lying) Stop trying to create a BS narrative," Eluemunor wrote.

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Skattebo, 24, emerged as a key piece of the Giants' offense in his rookie season last year. Prior to a season-ending ankle injury in Week 8, the 2025 fourth-round pick accumulated 410 rushing yards on 101 carries (4.1 yards per carry) and five rushing touchdowns. He also tallied 207 receiving yards on 24 catches with two caught touchdowns.

The Giants will play their final preseason game against the New York Jets on Friday, Aug. 28. Harbaugh did not say whether the team's starters would play in the finale. If they're held out, Skattebo and the rest of Big Blue's best 22 will have to wait to take the field until the Giants' regular season opener: "Sunday Night Football" against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cam Skattebo's 'infectious' energy ignites fight at Giants practice