John Harbaugh Jokes About Cam Skattebo's Failed Backflip in Viral amid Injury Concerns

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh took a lighthearted approach in reacting to a failed backflip attempt from Giants running back Cam Skattebo, who is recovering from a season-ending ankle injury, at Fanatics Fest last week.

Harbaugh was asked about the flip during a conversation with Giants radio broadcasters Bob Papa and Carl Banks during their Bleav in Giants podcast.

"My reaction was — I haven't talked to him yet, I'm going to talk to him I'm sure. My reaction was this: Dude, at least stick it. I mean, land the thing if you're going to do it, you know?" Harbaugh said as he laughed (h/t Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk). "That was my first reaction.

"But Skat's going to be ready to go. He's been working super hard. He has really been training like crazy. And his mind is on camp. He's healthy, he's ready to roll, and I can't wait to see him out there at practice."

Skattebo suffered an open tibia fracture, a ruptured deltoid ligament and a right ankle dislocation on Oct. 26 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He missed the remainder of the season. Thankfully, Skattebo said at a Fanatics Fest event on Sunday that he is "perfectly fine," per ESPN.

Skattebo is committed to being ready for the Giants' season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Sept. 13 at home.

"Week 1, I'll be ready to go," Skattebo said at a Giants Town Hall event in May, per ESPN's Jordan Raanan.

Raanan also gave good news about his training camp status in a July 1 report.

"There now seems to be little doubt barring a significant setback that he will be a full participant in training camp beginning next month when the Giants report to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia," Raanan wrote.

For the record, Skattebo did successfully attempt a backflip earlier this offseason at the Brian Burns Celebrity Softball Game back in late May. All things considered, he's looking good, even if it's fair Giants fans to feel their hearts skip a beat when seeing the promising running back attempt the flips.

Skattebo, the first pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft, brought some light and promise to the Giants during an otherwise rough season (4-13 record). The former Arizona State star amassed 617 total yards and seven touchdowns on 125 touches in eight games. His three-touchdown, 110-yard performance in a 34-17 win over the then-defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles particularly put him on the national map last October.

Sadly, Skattebo suffered the aforementioned ankle ailments in a rematch with the Eagles 17 days later. Thankfully, he is on track to be ready for Week 1 as the Giants look to get the Harbaugh era off to a good start.