Cam Skattebo Injury, Surgery, and Recovery 

The rookie running back for the New York Giants, Cam Skattebo, drafted in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, was showing real promise. However, Cam Skattebo’s injury during a recent game has changed the whole narrative.

A Quick Career Snapshot

Cam Skattebo is an American football running back born on February 5, 2002. He was born in Rio Linda, California, where he played high school football at Rio Linda High School. He then went to Sacramento State (2020–22), played college football, and earned Big Sky offensive player of the year. He was later transferred to Arizona State University for the 2023–24 season.

In the 2025 draft, the Giants of the National Football League(NFL) selected him with the 105th overall pick. And he didn’t waste time making an impact. In just eight games this season, he recorded 410 yards on 101 rushing attempts and 6 touchdowns, and added 24 receptions for 207 yards and 2 more scores. He was the spark and energy the team needed. Within a short while, he became fans favorite and one of the most exciting players in the NFL.

The Injury That Stopped The Momentum

It happened on October 26, 2025, in the Giants’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cam caught an 18-yard touchdown reception early in the game, tying it up at 7-7. Then, midway through the second quarter with 8:07 remaining, his leg got caught under him as he was tackled by Eagles linebacker Zack Baun. His right ankle was dislocated.

He was carted off the field in an air cast, the stadium went quiet, and the sideline looked shaken. The players couldn’t stand the sight of his right foot facing the wrong direction. His rookie quarterback and close friend, Jaxson Dart, was visibly upset, head-butting Cam as he was taken off. “I was devastated”, he said. “It’s my boy, man, so seeing him go down and obviously reacting to what happened, that sucks. It’s the worst part of this game.”

The stadium lights dimmed a little for a moment. Because you see it happen in slow motion, the kind of injury athletes dread. And for the young man who just started climbing, it looked brutal.

Surgery & Current Status

Within hours, Cam Skattebo was at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital (Presbyterian campus) undergoing surgery to repair the dislocated right ankle. His head coach, Brian Daboll, said the procedure “went well.”  Cam himself posted on social media:

“Surgery went well. I just want to thank the city of Philly for taking the best care of me… Every moment I spent in the hospital… felt loved and supported in every way. … This is just the beginning of my journey and I can’t wait to show you guys all about it!!! GOD has a plan for me, stick the course and it will all work itself out. BRB.”

Surgery was successful. He is recovering, but the timeline is still unknown. However, he’s been discharged and will begin rehabilitation immediately.

Experts believe that while the injury is severe, the prognosis for a return is good — yes, he’ll be out for the rest of this season, and “Obviously he’ll be missed, but on the road to recovery,” coach Brian Daboll told reporters. But 2026 will surely see him back.

Why It Matters

Cam’s injury matters on multiple levels.

• For the Giants: This was the rookie running back who brought life, punch, and yards every time he touched the ball. Losing him throws a wrench into their offense in the middle of the season. Coach Daboll acknowledged as much. The others in the group also admitadmit that the energy that Skattebo brings will be hard to replace. Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said, “He’s irreplaceable. You can have guys that run the ball really hard, but you know his energy and what he brings to the table, and just the way he runs the ball, will be really hard to replace.”
• For Cam personally: He was riding a wave. His first big breakout game (three touchdowns vs. the Eagles just weeks before) had people talking. Then, boom. It all came to a stop. But as he said, “just the beginning.”
• For the narrative: It’s a reminder of the fragility of the sport, yes. But also the strength of the human spirit. His post-surgery message, the visit from Eagles staff (a nice little story of humanity amid rivalry) adds texture.

Looking Forward

Cam’s path will involve rehabilitation, physical therapy, patience, and a whole lot of mental strength. He’s already shown he has that. The Giants will need to adjust their backfield, sure. But they also know they have a young guy with potential who can anchor their future.

And for Cam? He has the advantage of being young, fearless, and already making noise. When he returns, whenever that is, the expectation is that he’ll pick up right where he left off. Or maybe even better.