As John Harbaugh might agree behind closed doors, Cam Skattebo’s top goal has apparently been to shrug off his 2025 injury by any means possible. Multiple times since he suffered the season-ending ankle injury, Skattebo has been seen pushing things beyond what someone typically would in recovery.
The worrisome situation has been one reason for the Giants fans to brace for the team to make an addition to the running back room.
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However, the Giants wanting a simple upgrade might be another reason. At least, that is what Giants writer for The Athletic, Dan Duggan, openly suggested in a lengthy Wednesday post on X. He called the reason “sneaky,” hinting at plenty of reason to believe the team could also not be in any rush to make moves.
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“This is a sneaky position to watch for an addition before the opener,” he posted. “Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy are fine, but we know the Giants were open to upgrading to a premier back (Jeremiyah Love). There aren’t any of those available now, but I could see a vet signing (Najee Harris once healthy?) or a trade.”
Harris, 28 years old, is still on the right side of 30. However, the former Chargers and Steelers back has found himself battling injury after tearing his Achilles in September. Luckily for New York, there are plenty of options out there.
Exploring potential running back options for John Harbaugh
Based on the options available in free agency, any signings will likely back up the starter. Cam Skattebo appears to have two hands on the position, which means that Tyrone Tracey could be the running back most heavily impacted by any additions. Still, if New York heads in this direction, Tracey could be a solid RB3 with RB2 upside.
Najee Harris was one option, but another could be Joe Mixon. Of course, if Mixon were to be added, many would speculate that a committee running back room could be coming together. Such an option would not make sense for Harbaugh, who saw Derrick Henry dominate as the team’s bellcow over the last two years.
However, at 30 years old and coming off an injury, Mixon might have slipped to backup status. Adding Mixon would give the running back room an established veteran presence to help mentor Skattebo. Harbaugh also faced Mixon many times when the two were both in the AFC North, so he’s well familiar with the back.
One economical trade option that could make sense is also Keaton Mitchell. John Harbaugh got a first-hand look at the running back for years in Baltimore. Under Harbaugh, Mitchell saw some sparks. The brotherly connection to coach Jim could also open up a conversation without much effort.
Edited by Ian Van Roy