{
  "id": 15618439,
  "title": "Stephen A Smith Rips Giants’ John Harbaugh Over Cam Skattebo’s Zero Carries",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/stephen-a-smith-rips-giants-john-harbaugh-over-cam-skattebos-zero",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-19T15:36:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/stephen-a-smith-rips-giants-john-harbaugh-over-cam-skattebos-zero-carries-12589082"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Stephen A. Smith doesn't believe that Cam Skattebo's lack of carries in a recent game against the New Orleans Saints was an accident. The Giants running back logged six snaps and zero carries, with head coach John Harbaugh denying any intentional benching. Smith, in a recent X clip, believed Harbaugh should have stated the decision was intentional, acknowledging Skattebo's potential but admitting he shared the sentiment. Smith criticized the quick endorsement deals and the coach's apparent disdain for the player. Harbaugh, however, claimed the reduced workload was due to evenly dividing the first-half snaps among the backs while awaiting one to take charge. Skattebo himself perceived it as disciplinary action following an earlier incident where he fumbled during overtime against the Washington Commanders, leading to a tied game. Skattebo has struggled with the ball, losing possession four times in six games. The four-back system hasn't yielded a consistent performer, with Tyrone Tracy Jr. leading the group with six carries and Singletary and Harris each contributing one. The Giants' coach admitted that none of the four backs have stepped up to become the primary runner, expressing frustration that six snaps were the maximum workload for a starter. Until one player takes ownership of the position, the Giants will continue to distribute carries in a 3-2-1 distribution.",
  "summary": "Stephen A. Smith thinks the Giants’ explanation for Cam Skattebo’s quiet game doesn’t add up. John Harbaugh disagrees.",
  "key_points": [
    "Stephen A. Smith believes John Harbaugh intentionally benching Cam Skattebo.",
    "Harbaugh denies any intentional benching, citing even distribution of snaps.",
    "Skattebo's zero carries stem from disciplinary action following a fumble in overtime."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}