Cam Skattebo is not concerned that the New York Giants explored a trade for Jonathan Taylor before the deadline. The second-year running back believes he can be one of the league’s most dangerous backs when he is fully ready.
The Giants offered a second- and fifth-round pick for the Colts’ Taylor, Jay Glazer reported. Indianapolis wanted more, and New York pulled the offer. Head coach John Harbaugh said the team preferred not to force a bad deal as prices rose around the league.
The Giants ultimately made no trades and will stick with their current roster for the remainder of the season.
“You’ve seen what I can do. When I come out and I’m ready to play football, I can be one of the most dangerous backs in the league. Simple as that,” Skattebo told
NJ Advance Media on Tuesday.
He understands why some might question the production so far.
“I would be skeptical, too, if my running back was going for 60 yards a game and not really exploding out. But I’m still getting comfortable, man. This is like my 13th game in the league," he said. "I’m not even through a full football season yet. I’m still learning how to play football in this league. You obviously can see I’m getting more comfortable as I play the game.”
Skattebo had been limited by ball-security issues earlier in the year and sat out most of the New Orleans Saints game. He responded the following week against Houston with 17 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown, his first 100-yard rushing game. Residual effects from last year’s ankle injury have also lessened.
“The ankle injury is the ankle injury. It’s something that’s going to always be there. It’s something that you have scars in your mental from," he said. "But once you do the rehab and you’re continuously working on it, that’s the big key. Probably the last three to four games, that’s when I’ve really started to feel more comfortable and the ankle has really not given me any issues at all. I’ve been able to go into the games feeling 100% me.”
Tyrone Tracy Jr. remains on injured reserve (IR). Devin Singletary carried 21 times for 31 yards in the recent win over Philadelphia. The Giants enter the stretch run at 5-2-1 and first in the NFC East, with a Thursday night game against Washington on the schedule. Skattebo is expected to handle a significant share of the work.
“Whether they were thinking about it or not, it doesn’t bother me. I know I’m here, I’m healthy and I’m ready to play football. That’s it,” he said.
The Giants will proceed with the backfield they have as they try to hold their position in the division.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Cam Skattebo: I can be 'one of most dangerous backs in the league'
