Harbaugh ribs Skattebo after backflip spill worries Giants fans
Giants coach John Harbaugh said Cam Skattebo is healthy for camp after the running back’s Fanatics Fest tumble raised eyebrows.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Cam Skattebo’s backflip habit has followed him from recovery work to celebrity softball to Fanatics Fest, and New York Giants coach John Harbaugh had one clear message after the latest landing went wrong: if he is going to flip, he should finish it.
ESPN reported that the second-year running back drew attention over the weekend after missing his trademark backflip during a Saturday appearance at Fanatics Fest. The moment caused concern among Giants fans because Skattebo is returning from surgery to repair a dislocated right ankle.
Harbaugh addressed the clip during an appearance on the “Bleav in Giants” podcast published Tuesday, turning the scare into a bit of coaching-room humor.
“Dude, at least stick it. You know what I mean?” Harbaugh said, according to ESPN. “Land the thing if you're gonna do it.”
Skattebo said the day after the fall that he was “perfectly fine,” ESPN reported. He attributed the tumble to “bouncy” floors.
A recovery with one obvious condition
Skattebo’s ankle injury came in Week 8 last season, cutting short a lively start to his NFL career. ESPN reported that he had 617 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns before the injury.
Despite the severity of the dislocation, the running back has been working his way back into football activity. ESPN reported that Skattebo returned to practice in the spring, with one notable rule attached: no backflips.
That rule did not last long in public. According to ESPN, Skattebo performed a backflip in May after hitting a home run at the Brian Burns Celebrity Softball Game.
Harbaugh said last month, after the first minicamp practice, that he was pleased to hear Skattebo would take part in group and team drills. He also said the running back had put in heavy work during his rehab.
“I did mention maybe no back flips out here [at minicamp],” Harbaugh said at the time, according to ESPN. “We agreed.”
Camp outlook remains positive
For all the attention on the failed flip, Harbaugh’s latest comments painted Skattebo’s football status in upbeat terms. The coach said on the podcast that Skattebo is expected to be ready when training camp opens next month.
“[Skattebo] is gonna be ready to go,” Harbaugh said, according to ESPN. “He's been working super hard, he's really been training like crazy. And his mind is on camp. You know he's healthy, he's ready to roll and I can't wait to see him out there at practice.”
ESPN said Jordan Raanan contributed reporting to its story.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.