Cam Skattebo’s day got sideways fast in Houston.
After a rough stretch that already included a costly fumble two weeks ago and a benching last week, the Giants running back was back in the starting lineup against the Texans on Sunday. Instead of a clean reset, he got hit with a controversial early flag on New York’s second drive.
Skattebo picked up seven yards on first down, but the play ended with an unnecessary roughness penalty. The official said he lowered his head and made contact with Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart.
Skattebo was furious, and Giants head coach John Harbaugh was, too. The call quickly started making the rounds online, where it drew sharp pushback from former NFL running back Jacob Hester.
Hester, who played at LSU before spending time with the San Diego Chargers from 2008-11 and the Denver Broncos in 2012, made his living as a physical runner who did not shy away from contact. These days, as a SiriusXM NFL radio host, he still sees the game through that lens.
“Cam Skattebo getting called for unnecessary roughness as the BALL CARRIER is wild,” he tweeted. “You’ve got 11 dudes coming downhill with bad intentions trying to put you on the ground.
But when you truck somebody in the hole, it’s a penalty? Nah, that ain’t it.”
Former NFL linebacker Scott Shanle piled on with his own criticism.
“Penalty for being too physical and they will fine him too #crazy,” Shanle said on X.
And yes, a fine is likely coming. First-time offenders are hit with $23,882 for impermissible use of a helmet, while repeat violations jump to $47,762.
That leaves another layer to watch: whether officials keep keying in on Skattebo’s style going forward. He has a clear taste for contact and often tries to create it himself by dropping his head and shoulder.
As the third quarter wound down, the Giants and Texans were tied at 14. Skattebo had 38 yards on 11 carries.
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