The Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants entered Sunday night’s matchup both desperate for their first win of the season, each sitting at 0-2. For the Giants, the sting of last week’s 40-37 heartbreaker against Dallas hadn’t faded, and any hopes of bouncing back took a serious hit early on.

Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. went down with a painful injury in the first quarter. On a 2nd-and-8 play with Kansas City up 3-0, Tracy absorbed a heavy blow near the sideline. He immediately clutched his upper body, appearing to signal toward his shoulder or collarbone, as trainers rushed in.

The scene was tense. Tracy’s discomfort was obvious, and while he managed to walk off with assistance, the concern on the Giants’ sideline was palpable.

The injury happened when Tyrone Tracy Jr. took a hard hit from two Chiefs defenders near the sideline. He fell awkwardly and was seen pointing to his shoulder or collarbone as trainers rushed in. At the time, he had 29 rushing yards and two catches for seven more.

Without Tracy, the Giants’ offense struggled. Their first two drives ended with no points, one on a turnover on downs, the other a punt. On the next possession, Russell Wilson threw an interception, adding to the pressure.

Though the exact injury isn’t confirmed. Tracy had already been limited in Friday’s practice, suggesting he was managing a minor issue even before suiting up on Sunday.

In the first two games of the season, he totaled 39 rushing yards on 15 carries and added six catches for 47 yards. He hadn’t scored yet but was a key part of short-yardage and goal-line plays.

His absence leaves a gap in the Giants’ offense, especially with Wilson needing reliable support. Rookie Cam Skattebo now has a chance to step up in Tracy’s place.

Rookie erupts as Tracy’s potential replacement

With Tyrone Tracy Jr. possibly sidelined, rookie Cam Skattebo is set to benefit most. He is already the Giants’ top-scoring running back this season, with 68 scrimmage yards and their only rushing touchdown.

If Tracy misses time, Skattebo is expected to step in as RB1, offering a reliable and versatile option in both the run and pass game.

He is proving to be a more valuable option than Devin Singletary in terms of fantasy impact and overall offensive contribution. The rookie has shown he can make plays in the red zone and catch passes out of the backfield.

The 22-year-old running back played in one preseason game for the Giants in 2025, rushing for 12 yards on 3 carries against the Patriots. He missed the first two preseason games due to a hamstring injury but returned in the finale.

Skattebo started his college career at Sacramento State, rushing for 1,892 yards and 13 touchdowns in 16 games, along with 43 catches for 495 yards and four scores.

After transferring to Arizona State, he became a true workhorse, finishing his final season with 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 293 carries, plus 605 receiving yards and three more touchdowns.

His power, versatility, and ability to score make him the top candidate to step in if the Giants need to adjust their game plan without Tracy.