John Harbaugh has concerning comments on Cam Skattebo

Cam Skattebo’s approval rating has reportedly trended downward among one half of the New York Giants’ roster. Head coach John Harbaugh has noticed it, too.

Giants fans have learned to love Skattebo in part because of his reckless style of play. But according to team beat writer Pat Leonard, that same ferocity has frustrated some Giants defenders in practice of late.

Skattebo started a fight during Wednesday’s practice because the running back made a risky slide that “came dangerously close to taking out” a couple of defenders’ legs. The incident reportedly occurred when the defense was not allowed to hit offensive players.

Veteran defensive backs Jevon Holland and Greg Newsome “did not appreciate” the move, with the latter getting in Skattebo’s face about it afterwards.

Wednesday’s incident came after Skattebo previously pulled a similar stunt against linebacker Zaire Barnes. Per the report, Skattebo’s behavior has been “getting old to his defensive teammates.”

Harbaugh subtly called Skattebo out over the incident when he spoke to reporters after practice. He praised Skattebo for bringing a lot of energy but then compared him to an “infectious disease” that the team needs to contain.

“He did get a 15-yard penalty at the end of practice,” Harbaugh said. “Did you notice that? That’s not infectious. Well, it is infectious, actually. Infectious in a bad way, right? Like infectious disease type of thing. We don’t want that. So, we want it to be directed in a positive way.”