Skattebo takes multiple hits in return
Cam Skattebo’s return to the Giants came with a memorable touchdown, a bloody nose and plenty of physical contact. The young running back helped New York beat Dallas 28-20 in his first regular-season appearance since a serious ankle injury ended his rookie season.
But two moments quickly grabbed attention: an apparent facemask that left Skattebo bloodied and another video showing a hit around his midsection. As the footage sparked discussion, questions followed about what happened on the field and whether either incident could lead to further attention from the NFL.
Skattebo scored early for New York
Skattebo made an immediate impact during the Giants’ opening possession against Dallas. He finished the 83-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, giving New York a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
The touchdown was especially notable because it came during his first regular-season game since October 2025. Skattebo had missed the remainder of his rookie season after suffering a season-ending ankle injury against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8.
The first major contact came on a rushing attempt
During the second quarter, Skattebo carried the ball on third-and-2 as the Giants tried to continue their drive. Dallas defensive tackle Quinnen Williams appeared to grab Skattebo’s facemask during the tackle, causing the running back’s head to snap backward.
Officials did not throw a flag on the play, and Skattebo immediately showed frustration toward the officiating crew. The Giants failed to convert the third down, and the possession ended with New York’s only punt of the first half.
The facemask incident left Skattebo with a bloody nose
Video from the play showed blood coming from Skattebo’s nose after the apparent facemask contact. Reports showed that he returned to the game and continued his workload.
The incident became one of the most discussed moments involving Skattebo after the game because no facemask penalty was called during the tackle. The NFL can review plays after games for potential disciplinary action, although no on-field facemask penalty was assessed.
Interesting fact: Skattebo’s 2025 rookie season ended after eight games because of a dislocated right ankle and subsequent surgery.
Another video showed an apparent body blow
A separate video that surfaced after the game showed Skattebo appearing to receive a strike around his midsection from a Cowboys player. Social-media posts described the contact as a kidney punch, but available reports did not establish that Skattebo suffered a diagnosed kidney injury.
That distinction is important because a video can show contact without confirming an internal injury. The reporting identified the incident as an apparent blow and noted that no penalty was called during the play, leaving the exact nature and impact of the contact unconfirmed.
Interesting fact: Skattebo entered the NFL as the No. 105 overall pick in the 2025 draft, with the Giants selecting him in the fourth round out of Arizona State.
Skattebo completed his return game
Despite the physical incidents, Skattebo remained active throughout the Giants’ season opener. He carried the ball 18 times for 81 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt, and his touchdown gave him an early contribution in his return to the lineup.
New York ultimately defeated Dallas 28-20, with quarterback Jaxson Dart throwing three touchdown passes. Skattebo led the Giants in rushing attempts and rushing yards, while the team controlled possession for more than 36 minutes.
His ankle recovery preceded the return
Skattebo’s appearance against Dallas followed a long rehabilitation from the major ankle injury he sustained in Philadelphia during the 2025 season. The injury involved a dislocated right ankle, and he underwent surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital after the game.
By the 2026 training camp, Skattebo had been cleared to participate and was preparing for the season. He was active for the Giants’ Week 1 game against Dallas.
He had prepared for a larger role
Before the season began, the Giants expected Skattebo to play an important role in their revamped backfield. NFL.com reported that he had appeared in eight games as a rookie, rushing for 410 yards and five touchdowns while adding 207 receiving yards and two receiving scores.
His Week 1 workload reflected that expected importance against Dallas. Skattebo received 18 rushing attempts, while the Giants also used Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy at running back during the victory.
His touchdown celebration also drew attention
After scoring his three-yard touchdown, Skattebo performed his trademark backflip in the end zone. The celebration came after an offseason incident in which he landed awkwardly during a backflip at Fanatics Fest, prompting discussion about his surgically repaired right ankle.
Skattebo had previously acknowledged that Giants coach John Harbaugh spoke with him about the celebration. After the Dallas touchdown, he completed the flip successfully and returned to the game without a reported ankle issue.
The Giants opened the Harbaugh era with a win
The Dallas game was also significant because it marked John Harbaugh’s first regular-season game as the Giants’ head coach. New York controlled the game for more than 36 minutes and finished with a 28-20 victory over its NFC East rival.
Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, while Isaiah Likely caught eight passes for 78 yards and two scores. Skattebo’s rushing performance provided another major component of the Giants’ offensive production.
The internet is also talking about Baker Mayfield’s $165 million deal sparking heated debate among NFL fans.
The facemask incident could receive league review
Although officials did not penalize the apparent facemask during the game, the NFL could review the play for potential postgame discipline. Reports indicated that video appeared to show Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams pulling Skattebo’s facemask during the tackle.
A postgame review could lead to disciplinary action if the league determines that the contact violated NFL rules. No final disciplinary decision had been announced in the available reporting as of Sept. 15, 2026.
In other news, NFL’s Super Bowl 61 graphic has Cowboys and Jaguars fans talking.
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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