EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo had surgery Sunday night for the dislocated ankle he suffered in Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and “everything went great,” coach Brian Daboll said on a Zoom call Monday afternoon.
Skattebo remained in Philadelphia for the surgery, which was considered an emergency medical situation because it involved an open dislocation, sources told ESPN.
“He’s recovering and obviously we’re going to miss him, but he’s on the road to recovery,” Daboll said.
Skattebo has been released from hospital and will begin rehabilitation immediately.
Skattebo is out for the season after a horrific injury that forced players to immediately turn away from the sight of his right foot facing the wrong direction. Medical staff from both teams rushed onto the field to treat the injury, and Skattebo was eventually taken away on a cart after his foot was placed in an air cast and he delivered his signature headbutt with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Daboll said it was still possible that Skattebo would be released from the hospital later Monday and return to New Jersey. He faces a substantial recovery, although no timetable has been disclosed.
“He’s got a long way to go,” Daboll said.
Skattebo seems in a rather good mood considering the seriousness of the situation. He texted his head coach at 4:08 a.m. He also reposted an Instagram video in the morning of his teammates’ comments about his injury loss.
Dart and Skattebo have become close friends since being drafted by the Giants in April. Both men had brought new energy to the team since being installed as starters last month.
“Devastated,” Dart said after losing Skattebo for the season in a 38-20 defeat. “That’s my boy, man. That sucks. That’s the worst part of the game.”
Skattebo scored his seventh touchdown of the season before the injury. That happened on an 18-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Shortly after, his rookie year came to an abrupt end.
The injury occurred midway through the second quarter during an intentional pass over the middle. Skattebo got his feet caught underneath him as he was taken to the ground by Eagles linebacker Zack Baun.
“It’s hard. Seeing one of your teammates go down like that, especially someone like [Skattebo] who brings a lot of energy to the offense and the team in general, a lot of production comes through him, you’re going to miss him a lot,” guard Greg Van Roten said. “Then just for him personally, you feel really bad for this guy, because you know how much work he’s put in to put himself in a position to succeed in the NFL and establish himself as a starter. Then you just have a moment where you’re hurt and you know it’s a long road to recovery and you feel for the guy. “
The Giants will look to Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary to fill the void at running back. But Skattebo will be missed.
“He’s an infectious personality. It was 4:08 this morning, I got a text from him,” Daboll said, looking at his phone. “It’s Skat.”
According to the conversation, Skattebo was in a rather good mood.
“I mean as good as possible through the texts,” Daboll said. “But you feel compassion for your players when they go down like that.”
Skattebo, a fourth-round pick out of Arizona State, finished his rookie season with 101 carries for 410 yards and five touchdowns. He also had two receiving scores.
