New York Giants coach John Harbaugh has a straightforward answer for his restless running backs: earn it. After Sunday’s 34-27 home loss to the New Orleans Saints, Harbaugh told his backs that playing time and rhythm have to be earned.
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Najee Harris started the game but managed just two yards on four carries. Meanwhile, Cam Skattebo played only six snaps and did not get a single carry. Harbaugh wants his running backs to make the most of their opportunities before earning a bigger role.
Harris said afterward that it is hard to find a rhythm when you get a play or two and then sit for a series. Asked about those comments, Harbaugh said:
“Our run game hasn’t earned that yet. None of those guys have. My advice would be, do the most you can with the opportunities you get. Make the most of your opportunities, and you’re sure to get more. Do something. I get it, you want to get out there and get a rhythm, but that rhythm is earned, too. And that hasn’t happened yet. I know he understands that.”
Harris was told he would start. When asked whether that should have meant more than four carries, he answered simply, “Correct.”
Cam Skattebo, a fourth-round pick by the Giants in 2025, began the season as the team’s lead back. Najee Harris made one start (Week 6), played 11 snaps, and was released on October 20.
Skattebo lost his starting job because of fumbling. He has put the ball on the ground four times in five games, and his lost fumble in overtime against Washington cost the Giants a shot at a winning field goal in a 27-27 tie. He said he understood having a smaller role but did not expect zero touches. Harbaugh said that Skattebo was not benched.
Harbaugh said he would love to have a Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley situation, but the Giants are not there yet. He said he has had the same conversation with every back. Each wants to be the guy, and none is lobbying for a teammate. His advice was to take the job when the ball comes.
Harbaugh wanted a deep and physical group of running backs, which is why the Giants have so many options. Harris, who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 242 pounds, fits that style. He joined the team in August after rushing for more than 1,000 yards in four straight seasons with Pittsburgh. He tore his Achilles while playing for the Chargers last year.
The Giants’ running backs struggled against the Saints. Tyrone Tracy Jr. had six carries for 18 yards and a touchdown, while Devin Singletary gained 14 yards on four carries. The team finished with 84 rushing yards on 20 carries. In comparison, the Saints ran for 175 yards on 38 carries.
The problems go beyond the backfield. After the game, Harbaugh could not say who would start at quarterback next week. The Giants’ problems are not limited to their running backs. Starting quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2, leaving Jameis Winston to take over. The team later traded for J.J. McCarthy from the Vikings, giving up a 2027 fifth-round pick. Against the Saints, Winston was benched, and McCarthy nearly led the Giants to a comeback.
The Giants will face the Houston Texans on October 25 before having a week off. They will then play the Philadelphia Eagles on November 8. Houston has been one of the tougher teams for opposing running backs this season.
Harbaugh made it clear that the running backs must prove themselves to earn more chances. They now have limited time to show what they can do.