NFL rookies have been making their mark on the 2025 NFL season through the midway point of the season. Unfortunately, for one exciting rookie, the season ended abruptly and for another rookie, the path is just starting.
While New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has begun his road to recovery following a gruesome lower leg injury, Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough is getting his chance to prove himself as the man in New Orleans.
Tyler Shough: His opportunity to shine
In initially losing out to Spencer Rattler after a tight preseason QB battle, it was announced by the team this week that Shough will get his opportunity to show the team and the league what he can do for the rest of the season. As Saints head coach Kellen Moore is showing his faith in Shough, the rookie quarterback out of Louisville is ready to let it rip and hopefully prove to his team that he is a viable starter for the rest of the season and perhaps beyond.
“I’m going to make mistakes,” Shough said, via the Associated Press. “So, I’m going to do everything I can to learn from those mistakes, and then just have fun doing it. What a great opportunity to go out there and just let it rip.”
With the Saints starting the season at 1-7, the team needs to see what they have in Shough. If he proves to be the man, it could change how the team approaches the 2026 NFL Draft where top prospects like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Alabama’s Ty Simpson awaits.
Cam Skattebo: A long road ahead
Can Shough provide the kind of spark Skattebo did with the Giants when he was given his opportunity?
Prior to going down with an ankle dislocation in a 38-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Skattebo along with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had the Giants flying high and looking like a team that was going to make some noise moving forward. That could still happen, but losing Skattebo for the rest of the season is a major blow, especially after losing Malik Nabers earlier in the season.
Skattebo, who quickly positioned himself as an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, rushed for 410 yards and 5 touchdowns along with 24 receptions for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns, establishing himself as the dual threat running back, he was at Arizona State.
While the overall news was unfortunately for the 23-year-old running back, there is good news for his long-term future as he is expected to return before the start of next season. That is despite also suffering a fibula fracture and a deltoid ligament rupture along with the dislocation.
Following surgery, Skattebo continued to be a positive force by tweeting his appreciation for all the support he received and marking the injury and recovery as just the beginning of his journey.
"Thank you everyone for the support," Skattebo wrote on X." Surgery went well. I just want to thank the city of Philly for taking the best care of me. Every moment I spent in the hospital with family and friends I felt loved and supported in every way thank you to the doctors, surgeons, and staff that did their best work on me. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I can't wait to show you guys all about it!!! GOD has a plan for me. stick the course and it will all work itself out. BRB."
In a league filled with storylines, two rookies are beginning different paths of their journeys. For Skattebo, it is to return to the NFL stronger and pick up where he left off. For Shough, it’s time to show the league he was worth a second-round pick.