Odell Beckham Jr. to Miss Start of 2024 Season with Dolphins
Odell Beckham Jr.'s anticipated debut with the Miami Dolphins will be delayed as the star wide receiver will miss the start of the 2024 NFL season. Beckham, who joined the team in May 2024 after spending the previous season with the Baltimore Ravens, will commence the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least the first four games.
The Dolphins will be without Beckham for crucial early-season matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 1), Buffalo Bills (Week 2), Seattle Seahawks (Week 3), and Tennessee Titans (Week 4). The earliest Beckham can return to the active roster is October 6, when the Dolphins will face the New England Patriots in Week 5. However, with a bye scheduled for Week 6, there is speculation that Miami might wait until Week 7 for their home game against the Indianapolis Colts to bring Beckham back onto the field.
Head Coach Mike McDaniel has not provided specific details regarding Beckham's current condition or the nature of the injury. "TBD. TBD, more information to acquire," McDaniel stated, offering minimal clarity on the situation. Despite Beckham's absence from the training camp and all team activities, McDaniel remains optimistic about the wideout's mental approach. "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 shared on August 23.
Beckham has undergone an unspecified "offseason procedure" and has not yet been able to practice with the Dolphins. The specific injury details remain unclear, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his return. This setback follows a 2023 season with the Ravens where Beckham missed two early games due to an ankle injury before returning to participate in the playoff run.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is entering the season as the Dolphins' starting quarterback, has expressed his admiration for Beckham off the field. "Off the field, I've been able to hang out with him [Beckham] a good amount of times. Cool dude, 100%," Tagovailoa remarked. However, the quarterback also acknowledged the challenges posed by their lack of on-field collaboration. "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."
The Dolphins are coming off a promising season and had high hopes for Beckham's impact on the team. His ability to contribute as a veteran presence and dynamic playmaker was expected to elevate their offensive capabilities significantly. Without Beckham, Tagovailoa and the rest of the Dolphins' receiving corps will need to step up to fill the void.
Beckham's signing in May had generated considerable buzz among Dolphins fans and analysts alike. Known for his exceptional athleticism and highlight-reel catches, Beckham was viewed as a key acquisition for a team looking to make a deep playoff run. The delay in his debut is a setback but also an opportunity for other receivers to showcase their skills and for the team to develop chemistry in his absence.
As the Dolphins navigate the first part of their schedule without Beckham, the focus will remain on how quickly he can return to practice and ultimately to game action. His return could serve as a significant boost as the Dolphins aim to build momentum and capitalize on their promising potential.
For now, both the team and its fans will have to practice patience as they await Beckham's much-anticipated first appearance in a Dolphins uniform. The situation remains fluid, and updates from Coach McDaniel and the medical staff will be closely monitored in the coming weeks. Until then, the Dolphins must prepare to tackle the early challenges of the season without one of their marquee players.