Odell Beckham Jr. to Miss Start of 2024 Season with Miami Dolphins
As anticipation builds for the upcoming NFL season, Miami Dolphins fans will have to wait a bit longer to see star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. take the field. Beckham, who joined the Dolphins in May 2024, will miss the start of the season as he begins on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This development comes after an unspecified "offseason procedure" that has kept the dynamic receiver from participating in any training camp activities.
Beckham's absence stretches through at least the first four games of the 2024 season. During this period, the Dolphins will face the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, and Tennessee Titans. The earliest Beckham could return is October 6, aligning with a highly anticipated matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 5. However, with the Dolphins' bye scheduled for Week 6, there is speculation that the team might opt to hold Beckham out until a Week 7 home game against the Indianapolis Colts.
“TBD. TBD, more information to acquire,” stated Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, expressing the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Beckham's return. McDaniel's cautious optimism for Beckham's comeback is apparent, emphasizing that while the receiver hasn't been on the field, his presence is still felt within the team. “He’s found a way to be a leader of sorts without playing. That's tough to do, but his mindset is right, so I feel good about that,” McDaniel commented on August 23.
The lack of on-field integration with the team is certainly a concern. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has yet to practice with Beckham, shared his thoughts on their relationship and its potential impact. “Off the field, I've been able to hang out with him [Beckham] a good amount of times. Cool dude, 100%,” Tagovailoa said. Yet the quarterback tempered his enthusiasm with a dose of realism, adding, “But does that translate? Does our relationship translate on the field? I couldn’t tell you because I haven’t gotten reps with him. And that’s just the honest truth.”
Beckham's stint with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 was marked by a series of ups and downs. An ankle injury early in the season sidelined him for two games, but he managed to return for the Ravens' playoff campaign, showcasing his resilience and determination. However, the specifics of Beckham's current injury remain unclear, leaving room for speculation about the extent of his recovery process.
Despite the uncertainty, the Dolphins are coming off a promising season and remain hopeful. The addition of Beckham was initially seen as a significant upgrade to their receiving corps, aiming to provide a much-needed boost to an offense led by Tagovailoa. Still, the impact of Beckham's delayed debut and the absence of practice reps with his new team cannot be understated.
The Dolphins' start to the season will undoubtedly be challenging without Beckham's explosive playmaking ability. However, McDaniel's confidence in Beckham's mental resilience and leadership offers a silver lining. As the team navigates the early part of the season without one of its key acquisitions, eyes will be on how quickly Beckham can return to form and how seamlessly he integrates into the Dolphins' offensive rhythm.
While Dolphins’ fans eagerly await Beckham's on-field debut, the focus will remain on his health and readiness to contribute fully upon his return. The upcoming weeks will be critical as the Dolphins seek to build momentum and cohesion, preparing for Beckham's eventual return—a return that all hope will be marked by the explosive performances that have defined his storied career.