Giants likely acquire an RB, Skattebo a complement

He should be good to go and handle low-end RB2 duties against the Commanders. Seemingly always at his best after a week off — which makes sense due to how physical he plays — don’t be surprised if Skattebo puts up some major fantasy points on Thursday night.

Multiple teams, per Pelissero, offered a second-round pick. It sounds like Indianapolis was holding out for a first. Playing out the season in Indy, Taylor will likely retain RB1 value despite a gross situation. It should be noted that Seth McGowan had begun to cut into Taylor’s playing time a bit, but with the Colts now committed to Taylor for the short-term, it’s plausible that he’ll operate at a 70-75 percent of snaps player for the remainder of the season. McGowan retains contingency value in fantasy leagues but will not stumble into a major role barring injury.

Head coach John Harbaugh said earlier Monday that Skattebo would be “full go” for Thursday night’s game against the Commanders. It’s good news for a New York football team that struggled mightily to run the football consistently with veteran journeyman Devin Singletary spearheading the backfield against the Eagles in Week 9. Skattebo appears likely to reclaim lead back duties moving forward.

Harbaugh said Skattebo was “very close” to playing in Week 9 against the Eagles, but they opted to sideline him, focusing on the second game they would play four days later. With the Giants set to face the Commanders on Thursday, Skattebo should be well rested and ready to play in his first game since Week 7, when he first suffered his injury. Skattebo totaled 71 scoreless yards on 15 touches in Week 5 against the Commanders and will be in the RB2 mix upon returning this week.

Holder’s sources are currently telling him that there is “not a strong indication” that the Colts will be busy making deals at Tuesday’s trade deadline, but he adds that “you can’t rule this out with Taylor.” The Colts already received an offer including a second- and a fifth-round pick. Holder wonders aloud whether a second- and a third-round pick could be enough for Indianapolis to trade him away. Reading between the lines, that could be the Colts leaking an asking price to him. We’ll find out for sure in less than 48 hours. Stay tuned.

Taylor also lost a key fumble in the fourth quarter following the team’s second takeaway of the game, leaving fantasy managers wanting more in what could have been his final game in Indianapolis. Taylor has been the subject of significant trade speculation and rumor as we head toward Tuesday’s trade deadline, although teams will need to take on his recently-signed contract extension that ties him to the Colts through the 2028 season. Things started off rough as Taylor was subbed out on third-and-goal from the two, watching from the sideline as Seth McGowan punched it in for the team’s only rushing score of the game. It did not get better from their for Taylor’s fantasy managers as the Colts played through consistently negative game script, limiting his volume in the process. Taylor’s next opponent remains uncertain, although he currently lines up to take on the reeling Dolphins in Week 10, at least as long as he remains with the Colts.

With Skattebo down, the G-Men have been forced into a Devin Singletary start. Someone named “Gregory Desrosiers” appears to be the RB2. Expect a pass-focused game plan vs. Philly’s crumbling defense. Also inactive for the Giants are CB Colton Hood, CB Nikko Reed, OL Josh Sills, OL Marcus Mbow, TE Thomas Fidone II and DL C.J. Okoye.

Skattebo was listed as doubtful for Week 9 after getting in a single limited practice this week. Players rarely suit up after getting the doubtful tag, but it’s not out of the question. Even if he is ruled out with inactives, the fact that Skattebo is pushing to play means he should be good to go for Week 10. Devin Singletary will handle the bulk of the backfield touches if he can’t go this week.

She added that the Giants have resolved to move on from the trade talks ahead of their Week 9 date with the Eagles. Things change quickly in the NFL and this report doesn’t guarantee that Taylor won’t be a Giant. On the other hand, Anderson’s reporting doesn’t leave much room error. With the Colts’ asking price reportedly being through the roof, the Giants are content with Cam Skattebo as their top back. Devin Singletary is expected to start this week with Skattebo banged up.

An earlier report from the Athletic’s Jonathan Jones listed the Vikings and Giants as the favorites to trade for Taylor while the Seahawks, Packers and Broncos are still in the mix. Pelissero threw cold water on all of that by reporting no team has come close to offering what the Colts want for Taylor. Maybe that changes after Week 9, but if Taylor is stuck in Indianapolis, that’s probably the worst-case scenario for his rest-of-season fantasy value.