The New York Giants opted not to make a move at the NFL trade deadline despite reported interest in Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. According to Fox Sports, the Giants offered a second- and fifth-round pick for Taylor but withdrew the offer before the deadline passed.
Running back Cam Skattebo, who has handled the bulk of carries for New York, expressed confidence in his role after the deadline. "I've been that guy," Skattebo said. "Obviously, we had that one-week hiccup where I got in trouble. That was it. I came back that next week and handled business. They know what I'm capable of. They know what I can do."
Head coach John Harbaugh explained the decision to stand pat. "You don't want to make a bad deal," Harbaugh said. "You make a bad deal, that doesn't make you better. That makes you worse. Sometimes, the best deal is the deal that you don't make. We're willing to pay a price to make our team better. But it's got to be something that really makes our team better. It's got to be worth it. I would want a player that we love."
Skattebo has rushed for 418 yards and two touchdowns in seven games this season. After a costly overtime fumble against the Washington Commanders in Week 5 led to a benching in Week 6, he rebounded with a career-high 124 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans in Week 7, including a 42-yard run in overtime that set up the Giants' fourth win. That play also resulted in a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the Week 9 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, but he is expected to return for Thursday's game against the Commanders.
"You've seen what I can do," Skattebo said. "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."
The Giants sit at 5-2-1, two games ahead of the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East. While Taylor ranks fifth in NFL history with 88.8 rushing yards per game, New York will continue with Skattebo as its primary back for the second half of the season.
