New York Giants fullback Patrick Ricard's role as the lead blocker for starting running back Cameron Skattebo cannot be overstated.
Ricard was acquired by the franchise this past offseason for his innate physicality and stellar run-blocking. Ricard will continue to build on a tenured rapport with head coach John Harbaugh, but he must simultaneously be exceptionally serviceable for offensive coordinator Matt Nagy in 2026.
Nagy will find ways to fit Ricard into the offensive rotation and use him as the lead-block for starting running back Cam Skattebo. Particularly, red-zone opportunities and short-yardage situations are where Nagy might call in 21-personnel groups to create advantages at the line of scrimmage.
In Saturday’s 13-10 loss to the Minnesota
Vikings, Ricard was listed as a starter at fullback, a tradition not many franchises are carrying on in the new age of the NFL. However, Nagy and the Giants want to play bully at the line of scrimmage, minimize quarterback hits on Jaxson Dart, and that starts with establishing the running game.
In total, the Giants ran 21 personnel 18 percent of the time against Minnesota, and used a fullback on 29 percent of all offensive snaps.
Ricard's run-blocking was instrumental for Harbaugh and Ravens running back Derrick Henry, who totaled 3,516 rushing yards combined in 2024 and 2025.
In 2026, Ricard is interested in being the same deployable decoy on offense, frustrating the disruptive scheme of opposing linebackers on running plays, and functioning as a pass-catcher in the flat on play-action. Ricard's stat line is seemingly scarce, but his significance is utterly sure for the Giants in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Cam Skattebo, Patrick Ricard will pack a punch in 21 personnel
