The New York Giants held their much-anticipated first fully padded practice of training camp on Monday, July 28, 2025, under bright skies and mid‑90° F temperatures at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. With physical drills officially underway, players and coaches delivered a spirited mix of hard-hitting football, standout performances, and competitive intensity.(turn0search2)
🏃 Cam Skattebo Emerges as Rookie Standout
Fourth-round draft pick Cam Skattebo made a major impression on Day 5—earning first-team reps from the coaches and flashing explosive speed and power in running drills. He broke off a long 40-yard run, consistently demonstrated a downhill style, and never shied from contact—impressing teammates and fans alike.(turn0search2)
Edge rusher Brian Burns praised Skattebo’s toughness and instinct:
“He’s not just a line guy. … He runs tough, he runs behind his pads… I like that he got that edge to him.”
This quote underlines why Skattebo is already being discussed as both a fan favorite and a coaching asset.(turn0search0)
Indeed, Coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Jermaine Eluemunor underscored Skattebo’s strong football IQ, ball security (“hasn’t dropped one yet”), and readiness to make a mark.([turn0news16])
💥 Physicality Peaks: Burns Back, One‑On‑One Heat Between Hudson and Thibodeaux
Brian Burns, coming off a full-speed collision with WR Wan’Dale Robinson in the previous session, returned to full participation—a relief for the bolstering pass rush corps. Scans confirmed he sustained no serious injury.(turn0news12)
Meanwhile, tempers flared in a 1‑on‑1 drill when LT James Hudson III—filling in for injured Andrew Thomas—slammed OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux to the turf. Coaches intervened quickly to calm the situation. The two exchanged words afterward, but the incident reflects Hudson’s intense competitive nature and Thibodeaux’s fiery drive.(turn0news12)
Reports confirm:
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On the third rep, Thibodeaux contacted Hudson’s facemask, which led Hudson to bring him to the ground.
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The skirmish prompted coaches to pause the period.
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Hudson has earned a reputation as a camp provocateur.
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Thibodeaux had previously beaten Hudson twice, only intensifying his frustration.
This high-stakes physicality suggests camp battles are real.(turn0search7)
🏈 Run Game & Offensive Line Shine
Head coach Brian Daboll emphasized that the focus would remain on 1st- and 2nd-down plays, and the offense rose to the challenge. In a final competitive drill, Detroit’s offense executed to “run out the clock”—meaning they won the day, led by Skattebo, Devin Singletary, and Tyrone Tracy Jr.(turn0news12)
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said:
“It was a good day for the offense… Whoever wins that drill basically wins the day.”
Despite typical defensive dominance in early padded camp, the Giants bucked expectations.([turn0news12])
The offensive line also featured Evan Neal, now playing guard, who stepped into one-on-one battles and impressed with his powerful frame. Eluemunor noted Neal’s growth and determination as encouraging.([turn0search0])
✨ Defensive Highlights & QB Growth
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Art Green snagged a highlight-reel one-handed interception in team drills off a Jameis Winston pass, showcasing improved ball skills and anticipation.([turn0search3])
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QB Jaxson Dart continued his progression with solid short-range accuracy and agility, going 4-for-6 in limited throws, and showed off a confident slide after a run—a positive signal for his comfort rebuilding in the offense.([turn0news13])
Several young players saw hidden depth reps:
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Dalen Cambre, an undrafted rookie wide receiver, got first-team snaps, replacing the injured Wan’Dale Robinson.
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Jalin Hyatt was still limited and did not participate in team drills due to a leg issue, though he was active in positional work.(turn0news15)
🚑 Injury Updates & Roster Notes
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Bryce Ford‑Wheaton suffered a season-ending Achilles rupture, prompting the Giants to re-sign Gunner Olszewski for special-teams duties, particularly punt returns.([turn0news12])
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Wan’Dale Robinson sat out as a precaution after a knee hit—though staff said it’s not serious.
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Brian Burns returned after injury evaluation.
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Jalin Hyatt remains sidelined from full team drills.
These roster shifts offer opportunities for depth players to step up.([turn0news15])
🔎 Why This Practice Matters
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Skattebo’s emergence hints at a sneaky contributor for the Giants’ RB room in early season.
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Hudson vs. Thibodeaux highlights that positional battles won’t just be tactical—they’ll be heated.
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The run game victory suggests the offense is ahead of the defense early in pads, a rare early-season advantage.
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Dart’s poise and ability to slide signals growth and readiness behind Russell Wilson.
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Roster shakeups on special teams and WR spots could shift camp competition dynamics.
✅ What’s Next
Expect the Giants to lean even harder into team physicality as camp progresses. Day 5 under pads may just be the beginning—especially with Gunner Olszewski, Cambre, and Skattebo asserting themselves, defensive rookies like Abdul Carter drawing buzz, and offensive struggles (such as false starts) flagged for discipline.(turn0news14)
For now, the headline is clear: Giants off-season training is heating up—and so is the roster competition.
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