The backfield drama surrounding Cam Skattebo and the New York Giants captures the spotlight heading into NFL Week 7.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh essentially benched the former Arizona State running back in Week 6 following a string of costly fumbles, leading to a zero-carry game in a loss to the New Orleans Saints.
The situation intensified when the Giants started veteran Najee Harris instead, only to release Harris two days later after a lackluster performance and roster complaints.
As the Giants prepare to face the Houston Texans, the front office is reportedly gauging trade interest for Skattebo ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. is positioned to step into an expanded role, along with Devin Singletary. This makes the
New York backfield one of the more unpredictable units in the league.
Beyond the turmoil in East Rutherford, the rest of the league faces pivotal matchups, injury fallout and executive shakeups. Here are other top storylines driving the conversation for Week 7:
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ sudden crisis
The Philadelphia Eagles face a devastating reality as franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season. Doctors discovered multiple blood clots in both of Hurts’ lungs, a diagnosis requiring a multi-month recovery on blood-thinning medication.
The fallout extends beyond the gridiron. The NFLPA has demanded a full investigation into Philadelphia's medical care, questioning the decision to play Hurts on Oct. 11 after he spent a significant portion of the preceding night in a hospital.
With Hurts sidelined, the Eagles must completely alter their offensive identity to save their season.
Seahawks at crossroads vs. Chiefs, Kenneth Walker III
The Seattle Seahawks face a defining crossroads on Sunday Night Football against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Sitting at 3-3 after consecutive losses to the 49ers and Broncos, the defending champions are battling a severe championship hangover.
Quarterback Sam Darnold’s sudden regression, highlighted by seven interceptions, has fueled behind-the-scenes chatter regarding backup Drew Lock.
Adding to the drama is the return of former Seahawks superstar and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who leads the NFL with 665 rushing yards for Kansas City.
Seattle running back Zach Charbonnet might make his season debut following his recovery from a January ACL tear, desperate to save the Seahawks’ record from slipping below .500.
Brock Purdy, unbeaten 49ers keep rolling
The San Francisco 49ers travel to Atlanta boasting a perfect 6-0 record, solidifying their status as league heavyweights. San Francisco is one of just two teams ranking in the top five for both scoring offense and scoring defense.
Quarterback Brock Purdy continues his historic trajectory, matching the league lead with 14 touchdown passes and posting a 118.1 passer rating.
The cross-country road trip against the Falcons presents a classic trap game, but Kyle Shanahan’s squad has shown no signs of slowing down.
Patriots, Bears: Young quarterbacks clash
The Thursday night game features a marquee matchup at Soldier Field as Drake Maye and the New England Patriots travel to play Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears.
Maye entered Week 7 as one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league, tossing an NFL-best 10 touchdown passes over his past three games.
Williams countered with a highly efficient performance against Atlanta in his return from a hamstring injury, pushing his season completion percentage to a league-leading 72.5%.
This prime-time battle offers a look at the top two signal-callers from the 2024 draft class.
Front office shakeup in Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Colts entered Week 7 under a cloud of administrative change following the firing of general manager Chris Ballard. The move underscores ownership’s dissatisfaction with the team’s direction despite some bright spots on the roster.
On the field, the defense has fought through mounting injuries, while running back Jonathan Taylor continues to carry the load, leading the league in multi-touchdown performances. How the coaching staff and roster respond to the organizational instability will dictate whether Indianapolis can remain competitive in the AFC South.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Week 7 drama has Skattebo trade talk, Hurts blood clots, Seahawks panic
