Cam Skattebo injury update: Giants rookie RB suffers dislocated right ankle vs. Eagles, taken to hospital
New York’s breakout rookie running back Cam Skattebo sustained a dislocated right ankle in the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 26, during the Giants’ road game in Philadelphia. Trainers immediately stabilized the leg in an air cast, and Skattebo was carted off to a local hospital for further evaluation. The team confirmed the dislocation shortly after halftime. The injury is season-threatening and will require additional imaging to determine associated damage before doctors outline a surgical plan and timeline.
How the Cam Skattebo injury happened
With 8:07 left in the second quarter, Skattebo went down awkwardly after a tackle near the right sideline. His lower leg was pinned under the defender as he twisted, producing an obvious deformity. Broadcast replays were withheld given the graphic nature of the play. Teammates and opponents quickly signaled to the sideline, and medical staff responded within seconds.
Notably, Skattebo had already made a first-quarter impact, slipping out for an 18-yard touchdown reception to tie the score. He exited with 3 carries for 12 yards and 1 catch for 18 yards and a TD.
What a dislocated ankle means for recovery
A dislocation occurs when the talus shifts out of the ankle mortise, often with ligament rupture and, at times, associated fractures of the fibula or tibia. Typical next steps:
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Reduction and imaging: Emergency reduction is performed to restore alignment, followed by X-rays and an MRI/CT to assess ligament and bone injury.
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Surgery likely: Most high-energy dislocations with instability need surgical stabilization (plates/screws and/or ligament repair).
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Timeline: Return-to-play windows vary, but several months is common; true football clearance can extend well into the offseason if fractures or extensive ligament work are involved.
Until the full imaging is complete, the exact timetable remains fluid—but anything sooner than late offseason activity would be optimistic.
Skattebo’s rookie arc, interrupted
Skattebo had emerged as a high-leverage backfield piece, valued for his contact balance, low center of gravity, and improved receiving chops. He’d earned trust in pass protection and short-yardage, which kept him on the field in key downs. Sunday’s injury halts a momentum run that had reshaped the Giants’ early-season offense and chemistry with the rookie quarterback.
Giants depth chart: immediate repercussions
Expect the coaching staff to pivot to a committee approach built around:
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Early downs and protection: A bigger back who can handle interior carries and pass-pro rules.
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Space touches: A change-of-pace option for perimeter runs and screens to replace Skattebo’s flats and angle routes.
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Short yardage/goal line: Personnel groupings that reintroduce tight formations and QB keepers to offset the loss of Skattebo’s pile-moving style.
Red-zone sequencing and third-down packages will be the first visible changes as play-callers re-weight inside runs versus quick game.
Fantasy and betting brief
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Add/replace: Prioritize the next-man-up who handles pass protection—that’s the snap-share pathway. The secondary add is the pass-game back if your format rewards receptions.
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Usage split: Expect volatility for 1–2 weeks while roles settle; tilt lineups toward targets and two-minute snaps rather than chasing early-down volume alone.
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Props/live betting: Watch third-down personnel and no-huddle sequences; they’ll reveal who owns the high-leverage touches post-injury.
What to watch this week
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Medical update: Confirmation of any fracture and planned surgical date.
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Roster moves: Practice-squad elevations or a veteran signing to restore depth on special teams and short yardage.
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Scheme tweaks: More tight-end involvement on play-action, and expanded designed runs for the QB to keep boxes honest.
The Cam Skattebo injury dramatically alters New York’s offensive spine. With a dislocated right ankle and hospitalization for evaluation, the rookie’s season is almost certainly over, and the Giants must rapidly re-engineer their backfield. The medical team’s midweek update will set the recovery timetable, but from a football standpoint, Sunday marked a forced pivot from a rising, physical identity to a committee-and-creativity phase for the run game.