New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh came off a bit testy after the club's 34-27 Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints when media members asked him about Cam Skattebo's benching. After the star running back logged six plays with zero rush attempts or targets, Harbaugh claimed that he did not actually bench Skattebo, as not giving him the ball was not by design. Now, the former fourth-round pick shares his side of the story.

Skattebo claimed that he was simply punished for fumbling the ball so much in recent weeks, according to MB Fantasy Life. The fumble in the club's 27-27 Week 5 tie with the Washington Commanders was apparently the final straw. The 24-year-old stated he just needs to be prepared for the next time his number is called.

“I got punished for what I did,” Skattebo said. “I understand it, so I gotta be ready when coach calls my name, and that wasn't today. Yeah, it's hard. But I've made mistakes. I own up to them, and if that is what they want to do- is keep me on the sidelines because of [fumbling]- I totally understand. I can't make mistakes at this level of the game. When you make mistakes like that, consequences are to be made.”

Cam Skattebo on not having a carry in the Giants' loss to the Saints on Sunday:

"I got punished for what I did [the fumble last week]. I understand it so I gotta be ready when coach calls my name and that wasn't today."

John Harbaugh on the running backs:

"We didn't bench Cam…

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 19, 2026

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The Giants had 20 total rush attempts between six different players against the Saints on Sunday. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy led the way with two scrambles for 26 yards, while Tyrone Tracy was the most involved running back with six carries for 18 yards and a touchdown. Harbaugh stated he was trying to get four different running backs involved in the offense, but Skattebo was the only one who didn't log a single rush attempt.

Cam Skattebo will have a chance to get himself out of the doghouse for the club's Week 7 matchup. The Giants are scheduled to take on the Houston Texans on Sunday, October 25.