Giants RB Najee Harris admits confusion over RB situation after Cam Skattebo benching

The New York Giants stumbled against the New Orleans Saints in a 34-27 loss on Sunday, with the decision to bench running back Cam Skattebo intensified speculation surrounding the team's backfield hierarchy. Najee Harris, who started in Skattebo's place, expressed confusion about the team's approach after receiving limited opportunities in the loss.

Skattebo entered the game under pressure after fumbling four times during New York's first five games. Although he received a few snaps versus New Orleans, he was not given a single carry. Harris instead opened the game as the starting running back but finished with just four rushing attempts for two yards across 11 snaps.

The 28-year-old acknowledged that the Giants' frequent substitutions made it difficult to build momentum and identify the best ways to exploit the opposing defense.

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"It's hard to get in a rhythm with one or two plays," said Harris postgame. "The first couple runs will be like, 'OK, how are they playing it?' And then the next ones will be, 'OK, this is how you attack it.' But if you're getting a play here and then get taken out for a series, there's nothing you could do. That's why I'm saying, 'I don't know.' I've never been through none of this before."

Harris was not the only New York running back who found success hard to come by against the Saints. Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary also failed to provide a consistent ground threat, with the team's three active running backs averaging just 2.4 yards per carry combined.

The Giants' rushing woes continued despite facing a New Orleans defense that allows the seventh-most yards per rush. Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor's absence because of a calf injury added to the offensive line's problems, which had shown shortcomings in opening running lanes over the past five games.

New York attempted different offensive approaches, including formations featuring fullback Patrick Ricard and blocking tight end Chris Manhertz, as well as five-receiver sets. However, those adjustments produced little success after the team opened the game with a 12-play, 93-yard touchdown drive.

The defeat also featured a major offensive collapse. After taking a double-digit lead, the Giants surrendered 34 consecutive points, with turnovers and stalled possessions contributing to the Saints' surge.

New York eventually responded with 17 unanswered points during the final 11 minutes after quarterback JJ McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston . However, McCarthy's fourth-down pass intended for Isaiah Likely fell incomplete in the end zone with 12 seconds remaining.

The loss dropped the Giants to 3-2-1, while New Orleans improved to 2-4. New York will next visit the Houston Texans in Week 7, who have won their last two games after beginning the season 0-4.