Skattebo Injury May Force Giants Into Early Running Back Trade

The New York Giants look increasingly likely to acquire a running back ahead of the November 10 trade deadline, and an injury to starter Cam Skattebo may force their hand early. Skattebo is battling a hamstring injury, did not practice on Monday, and is described as day-to-day ahead of the Week 9 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Tyrone Tracy Jr. already on injured reserve, Devin Singletary is the only running back on the roster with an NFL carry. Skattebo's setback is the latest twist in a roller-coaster stretch for the second-year back. He had finally found form with a career-high 124 yards against Houston on October 25, only to hurt his leg in overtime on the penultimate play of the game. A muscle pull is a difficult injury for a player whose game is built on his legs, and the Giants cannot wait long: the deadline falls less than 48 hours after the Eagles game. The Giants have already been linked to every available running back, with Tennessee's Tony Pollard floated as a possible landing spot. Team officials said they would know more towards the end of the week, but the direction of travel is clear. If Skattebo cannot go against Philadelphia, or if his hamstring lingers, New York may have to make a deal before the deadline rather than hoping its thin backfield holds up through a crucial stretch of the season.