Odell Beckham Jr. to play in Giants’ pre-season opener vs. Vikings
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Odell Beckham Jr. is about to play a sport in a New York Giants uniform for the primary time in practically six years.
Whereas it’s an exhibition sport, it marks one other milestone for the honored huge receiver on his homecoming tour. Coach John Harbaugh expects Beckham to play within the group’s pre-season opener towards Minnesota at residence on Saturday.
“I’m trying ahead to seeing him play,” Harbaugh mentioned Wednesday. “He’s regarded good. He’s in form. He’s taking each rep he’s supposed to soak up follow. He’s getting stronger. I really feel like he’s getting stronger on daily basis. He’s in place.”
Beckham at 33 is in a really totally different place than he was in December 2018, nearing the tip of his rookie contract after surpassing 1,000 yards receiving in 4 of his first 5 NFL seasons.
Now, after serving a six-game suspension for failing a performance-enhancing drug take a look at and never taking part in in any respect in 2025, he’s making an attempt to point out he nonetheless belongs within the league. His final sport was Dec. 8, 2024, with Miami.
“I sort of had two years off,” Beckham instructed reporters in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, earlier this month. “Spiritually, mentally, emotionally, bodily — no matter it was — I obtained time to heal, so, I really feel good.”
Beckham has proven flashes of his youthful self at coaching camp, together with a catch behind the tip zone from Jameis Winston through the opening week. Behind Malik Nabers (when wholesome), Darius Slayton and others on the depth chart and with loads of competitors from fellow free-agent additions Calvin Austin and Darnell Mooney and rookie Malachi Fields, there isn’t any assure Beckham makes the preliminary 53-man roster.
Video games and practices present a possibility for him to earn a spot. It isn’t clear but who is likely to be throwing him the ball, as Harbaugh dodged a query about whether or not franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart and the remainder of the anticipated starters will play towards the Vikings.
Irrespective of who he is catching passes from, Beckham has the prospect to steal the summer time highlight as a returning crowd favorite.
“I can’t wait to listen to the followers yell when he runs on the market and catches a landing towards the Minnesota Vikings in MetLife Stadium,” Winston mentioned. “I feel that’s going to be one of many loudest roars. … I simply can’t even think about simply the anticipation that our followers have.”
Harbaugh explains the Giants bringing in Terrion Arnold for a go to
After Terrion Arnold labored out with the Giants, Harbaugh didn’t rule out them signing the free agent cornerback, who’s dealing with eight felony fees, earlier than the authorized course of runs its course.
“The authorized course of may take years, so then his profession is gone,” Harbaugh mentioned. “I feel you need to resolve: ‘The place does the authorized course of stand? What are we actually speaking about right here? What does it appear like?’ And you need to make a judgment alongside these strains.”
Arnold, 23, was charged in June with counts of kidnapping, armed theft and conspiracy after allegations he orchestrated the kidnapping and beating of three males in February. He was launched by the Detroit Lions a number of days after the costs have been levied.
New York is the third group to usher in Arnold for a go to this week alone, after New Orleans and defending champion Seattle. Harbaugh defined the reasoning as desirous to be aggressive, whereas acknowledging there is a risk-reward proposition to the chance.
“There’s issues to be gained and issues to be misplaced, and also you simply sort of obtained to stability it out and attempt to decide that’s twofold,” Harbaugh mentioned. “One side is what’s finest to your soccer group. The opposite side is what’s finest to your group and your individuals and doing the correct factor.”
