Cam Skattebo Reacts to Najee Harris Being Released by John Harbaugh's Giants, 'Nobody Is Safe'

Running back Cam Skattebo feels the New York Giants were sending a message to players by releasing Najee Harris ahead of Week 7.

"Nobody is safe, that's as simple as that," Skattebo told reporters Friday (h/t ESPN's Jordan Raanan). "When we go on the field, and we go perform, if we're not performing, we understand there's a possibility of not being here."

Skattebo concluded, "If I don't perform, I know there's a possibility of me not being here."

Harris was cut just two days after starting for the Giants in a Week 6 loss to the visiting New Orleans Saints.

Giants head coach John Harbaugh said Friday the decision to release Harris was made because "it's hard to carry four backs."

"There were some other moves we had to make to get guys on the roster... Like I told him, nothing against what he did. I thought he ran super hard," Harbaugh said.

Harris recorded nine carries for just 11 yards while adding one catch for five yards in his final two games with the Giants. He expressed frustration after the game with the Giants' lack of consistent use of their running backs.

"It's hard to get into a rhythm with one or two plays...if you're getting a play here and then get taken out for a series, there's nothing you could do," Harris said Sunday, per SNY.

Harris most recently recorded four touches against the Saints as Skattebo was held without a carry in the loss. Skattebo said Friday he felt he had been "taught a lesson" by the zero-carry outing.

Harbaugh indicated he was expecting a bigger role for Skattebo now that the Giants' running back depth chart features only him, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.

"He always going to be a big part of our season, and he had a heck of a week of practice," Harbaugh said about Skattebo.

The Giants announced Wednesday quarterback J.J. McCarthy would be starting in place of Jameis Winston after replacing him late in the loss to the Saints.

Harbaugh will hope a quarterback switch and a less varied workload for his running backs will help the Giants (3-2-1) hold on to their NFC East lead with a win over the Houston Texans (2-4). Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in Houston.