The New York Giants experienced a few anxious moments during Friday’s training camp practice as several players left the field after contact in live drills and scrimmages.
Second-year running back Cam Skattebo was among those who went down. ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan, who attended the session in West Virginia, described the sequence involving the running back and linebacker Arvell Reese.
“RB Cam Skattebo went down after a collision with LB Arvell Reese. He was stretching his left leg and didn’t return to practice but remained on sideline,” Raanan wrote.
Center John Michael Schmitz also exited early. Raanan added that Schmitz “walked off early in practice after taking hard hit. OLB Brian Burns also got banged up but didn’t appear serious.”
Head coach John Harbaugh addressed the incidents afterward and offered reassurance that none of the players suffered major harm.
“John Harbaugh said JMS hit his head/got his bell rung. Skattebo just part of working back from last year’s injury but nothing serious. Brian Burns played some but is managing an ankle,” New York Daily News reporter Pat Leonard shared.
The updates eased concerns for a team still building chemistry ahead of the regular season. Skattebo missed a significant portion of his rookie year and has been gradually returning to full speed. Extra practice reps and preseason action remain important for him to feel fully prepared by Week 1.
Schmitz anchors the offensive line, while Burns is expected to contribute heavily as an edge presence. All three figures appear positioned to avoid extended absences in the coming weeks.
One bright spot for the defense emerged from the same play that sidelined Skattebo. Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese delivered a forceful tackle that drew attention from those watching.
NorthJersey.com’s Art Stapleton captured the moment and the reaction it produced.
“Arvell Reese is the total package. Brings it old school. Popped Cam Skattebo in a run fit + the oohs/aahs were audible,” Stapleton wrote.
He continued: “Next play Reese ran down Skatt from back side behind line. Skatt was slow to get up. Did a lot of stretching on side before walking across to other sideline.”
Reese, selected fifth overall in April’s draft after a standout career at Ohio State, has stood out repeatedly in camp. He continues to adjust quickly to the professional level and projects as a versatile piece in the linebacker group.
The Giants plan to use him primarily on the weak side alongside Tremaine Edmunds. His athleticism also opens opportunities for him to rush the passer, a skill he displayed effectively in college.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has multiple ways to deploy the rookie’s physical tools. Coaches and teammates have taken note of his intensity and football instincts during the early practices.
While the hard hits served as reminders of the physical nature of camp, the medical outlook remained positive. Players and staff prefer to avoid any setbacks this early in the process, yet Friday’s events appeared limited in scope.
Skattebo stayed on the sideline after the collision rather than heading to the locker room, a detail that suggested the issue was manageable. Similar signs pointed to limited concern for Schmitz and Burns.
As the Giants continue their work in West Virginia, attention will stay on how these players respond in subsequent sessions. Reese’s emergence provides an encouraging subplot on the defensive side even as the offense works through minor bumps.
The franchise enters the preseason with high expectations for its young talent and returning contributors. Maintaining health through the remaining camp period will remain a priority for the coaching staff.
