IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
NY Giants head coach John Harbaugh has issues with the running backs unit.
Over the weekend, Harbaugh benched starter Cam Skattebo and didn’t give him any carries.
Skattebo told the media he felt he was being punished after fumbling the ball in a crucial moment against the Commanders a week earlier.
“I got punished for what I did. I understand it, gotta be ready when coach calls my name-that wasn’t today”
WOW: #Giants Cam Skattebo says he was punished for his actions last week after receiving ZERO carries today.
“I got punished for what I did. I understand it, gotta be ready when coach calls my name-that wasn’t today”
John Harbaugh said he wasn’t benched. https://t.co/orMd4Fk5Q3
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) October 18, 2026
Running back Najee Harris also had issues with Harbaugh and appeared to complain about not getting enough carries.
“It’s hard to get in a rhythm with one or two plays,” Harris said. “The first couple runs will be like, ‘OK, how are they playing it?’ And then the next ones will be, ‘OK, this is how you attack it.’ But if you’re getting a play here and then get taken out for a series, there’s nothing you could do. That’s why I’m saying, ‘I don’t know.’ I’ve never been through none of this before.”
Harbaugh fired back at Harris during his weekly Monday press conference.
“Our run game hasn’t earned that yet; none of those guys have. My advice would be, do the most you can with the opportunities you get. Make the most of your opportunities and you’re sure to get more. Do something. I get it, you want to get out there and get a rhythm, but that rhythm is earned, too. And that hasn’t happened yet. I know he understands that.”
On Tuesday, the Giants announced they were cutting Harris just days after he complained about his role on the offense.
Giants are releasing RB Najee Harris. (via @RapSheet) https://t.co/B0ubUEs3Gv
— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2026
The Giants had signed Harris in the offseason to add depth to the running backs unit.