Giants running back goes from zero carries to overtime hero in stunning turnaround originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
One week can change an NFL player's entire story. Just ask New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo. The second-year back didn't receive a single rushing attempt in New York's previous game, a surprising development after an earlier fumble had affected his role in the offense.
On Sunday, Skattebo looked like one of the most important players on the field. He rushed for 124 yards on 17 carries, scored a touchdown and helped set up the winning score in New York's 27-21 overtime victory over the Houston Texans.
The turnaround was remarkable enough on its own. The way the Giants finished the game made it even better.
Two runs that ended everything
Houston forced overtime after tying the game late in regulation, giving the Texans another opportunity to rescue their afternoon. The Texans received the ball first in overtime but couldn't move it.
New York's defense forced a three-and-out, giving the Giants possession and an opportunity to win with a touchdown. That's when Skattebo delivered his biggest run of the afternoon.
The former Arizona State standout broke free for 42 yards, putting the Giants in excellent position to finish the game. On the very next play, Devin Singletary raced 30 yards for the winning touchdown.
Just like that, the game was over.
Two running backs had combined for 72 yards on consecutive plays, turning what could have become a long overtime battle into an immediate celebration. Singletary received the official game-winning touchdown, but Skattebo's explosive run made the finish possible.
For a player who hadn't received a rushing attempt the previous week, it was a dramatic return to the spotlight.
Skattebo wasn't the only comeback story
The Giants entered Sunday with another fascinating storyline at quarterback.
J.J. McCarthy made his first start for New York after arriving in a September trade with the Minnesota Vikings. McCarthy completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards, helping the Giants produce enough offense to remain competitive throughout the afternoon.
The setting carried an interesting connection to his college career.
McCarthy returned to the stadium where he helped Michigan win the national championship in January 2024. This time, he was trying to help a different team win an important football game. The quarterback wasn't asked to carry the offense by himself. New York received significant contributions from its running backs, allowing the Giants to maintain balance and create opportunities on the ground.
Skattebo scored on a 16-yard run in the fourth quarter before producing his overtime breakthrough. The Giants also avoided turnovers, an important accomplishment for a team trying to establish consistency with a changing quarterback situation.
A crowded backfield creates an interesting question
Skattebo's performance gives New York's coaching staff something to consider heading into its next game. The Giants have multiple running backs capable of contributing, but Sunday's result demonstrated how valuable Skattebo can become when he receives consistent opportunities.
His 124 rushing yards weren't built entirely on one spectacular play. He helped move the offense throughout the afternoon before delivering the decisive 42-yard gain in overtime. Singletary also reminded everyone that a veteran running back can remain dangerous when given space.
Together, the two provided New York with the perfect ending.
The Giants improved to 4-2-1, strengthening their position in a competitive NFC playoff race. There will be more difficult decisions ahead regarding touches, playing time and offensive responsibilities.
But Skattebo made one thing clear Sunday.
After going an entire game without a rushing attempt, he needed only one afternoon to remind the Giants exactly what he can do.