New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo told reporters that his zero-carry game against the New Orleans Saints last week was punishment for his fumble at the end of the team’s game against the Washington Commanders the previous week.

“I got punished for what I did (last week), and I understand, so I got to be ready when coach calls my name — and that wasn’t today,” Skattebo said. “I didn’t expect to have zero (carries), but I was expecting to not play as much. His message is keep your head down and keep going. They understand the type of player I am, and I’ve just got to continue to do my job, and do it to the best of my ability.”

But one Giants legend isn’t buying what Skattebo is selling.

In fact, during an appearance on the WFAN Giants postgame show on Sunday, former three-time Pro Bowl running back Tiki Barber said he knows for a fact that Skattebo saw a diminished role because of some behind-the-scenes issues that have come up in the locker room.

“There have been a lot of negative plays for him,” Barber stated. “And it’s misreading the run game, or being too fast in the run game…so many other things that matter to be on the field for 3rd Down…knowing protection responsibility…those little things that are considered “busts” aren’t as obvious to the lay fan, but I think there’s been a lot of those for Cam Skattebo for this season…he presented it as the fumble…I think it was more than that. In fact, I know it was more than that.”

The Giants released former Pro Bowler Najee Harris on Tuesday, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. has shown flashes of potential but has been largely inconsistent during his NFL tenure. So clearly the team has a need for a bell-cow back.

And Skattebo is clearly the Giants best running back. But he’s not doing himself any favors with some of the on- and off-the-field issues he’s had this year.

If there’s any truth to Barber’s remarks, it would behoove Skattebo to keep his head down, hold onto the ball, and show head coach John Harbaugh that there’s been tangible growth since Week 1.