Cam Skattebo’s greatest strength could shorten his Giants career

Cam Skattebo has no interest in becoming a different running back.

That is terrific news for the New York Giants in the short term. It could become a serious problem later.

Skattebo became an immediate fan favorite during his rookie season because he ran as if every defender had personally insulted him. He lowered his shoulder, fought through contact and frequently turned routine plays into collisions. There was nothing graceful about it. That was the charm.

Before his season ended after eight games, the fourth-round pick rushed for 410 yards and five touchdowns while adding 24 receptions for 207 yards and two more scores. His 617 yards from scrimmage came on only 125 touches.

Skattebo didn’t merely look like a useful rookie. He looked capable of becoming the centerpiece of New York’s backfield.

Now he has to prove his body can survive the role.

Skattebo has already endured a serious injury

Skattebo’s rookie season ended when his right leg became trapped beneath him during a tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles. He suffered a dislocated ankle that required immediate surgery, beginning a lengthy rehabilitation process that lasted well into the offseason.

The injury wasn’t necessarily caused by his aggressive running style. He was hurt after catching a pass, and similar accidents can happen to any player unfortunate enough to have his leg pinned at the wrong angle.

Still, it offered a brutal reminder of how quickly a running back’s career can change.

That apparently hasn’t encouraged Skattebo to become more cautious. He has said he plans to continue playing with the same violent approach that helped him reach the NFL.

He also attempted a backflip during a recent WWE appearance at Fanatics Fest. Skattebo landed awkwardly before quickly getting back to his feet and insisting he was fine. The incident was ultimately harmless, but watching a running back recovering from major ankle surgery attempt an unnecessary backflip probably caused several members of the Giants organization to briefly stop breathing.

It was also perfectly on brand.

The Giants need Skattebo to protect himself

New York shouldn’t ask Skattebo to stop being physical. Taking that element away would be like telling Lamar Jackson he can no longer leave the pocket. It would remove much of what makes him special.

There is a difference, however, between running hard and accepting every available collision.

The NFL has chewed through countless physical running backs. Marion Barber, Chris Carson and Earl Campbell became beloved because of their willingness to punish defenders, but their bodies eventually collected the bill. Running backs rarely win a long-term battle against repeated contact.

Skattebo is listed at 5-foot-9 and 220 pounds, giving him the build to absorb punishment better than some. Even so, no frame is designed to withstand several violent collisions every Sunday for 17 games.

The Giants need him available for the entire season, especially while second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart continues developing. Skattebo’s ability to run, catch and finish near the goal line can remove pressure from the young quarterback and keep New York out of obvious passing situations.

None of that helps while he is standing on the sideline.

Skattebo doesn’t need to become timid. He needs to become selective. Stepping out of bounds or avoiding an unnecessary hit won’t make him soft, regardless of what the internet’s collection of retired middle-school linebackers might claim.

His physicality earned him an NFL career. Learning when to protect himself could determine how long it lasts.