Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
The last time Odell Beckham Jr. was wearing a Giants uniform nearly a decade ago, the thought of him participating in preseason action with the second-team offense was unthinkable.
But times have changed, and the 33-year-old veteran wide receiver is fighting for his football life amid a looming roster crunch. Yet he had a strong showing in New York’s preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, hauling in a pair of catches for six yards, then got behind the defense but was never seen by backup quarterback Jameis Winston.
“I was like, ‘God, you’re not going to bless me like that today, are you?’ It’s a blessing to be out there; it’s a blessing to be healthy,” Beckham said. “But I thought for a second it was about to be time to get back in that end zone.”
Beckham’s place on the Giants’ roster is far from safe. He is near the bottom of the depth chart behind the likes of Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin, and rookie Malachi Fields. Fighting alongside him are Braxton Berrios, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Isaiah Hodgins, Jalin Hyatt, and Dalen Cambre.
“I love Odell,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said. “What he’s doing, what he’s fighting for, I don’t know how it’s going to turn out. It’s gonna turn out the way it turns out based on what happens. But to see his fight, his determination, his humility… As a friend, that makes me really proud.”
Despite an extended layoff fueled by a suspension last season — he has not appeared in an NFL regular-season game since 2024 — he has impressed Big Blue brass with his route-running and his ability to get open. That sort of veteran presence, who once was an elite playmaker, would be invaluable in a room alongside Nabers, who very well could be the next prime Beckham in East Rutherford.
“I’m glad they see it, but I’ve been doing it,” Beckham said. “It feels good just to be back out there. But I do feel pretty good. I had some time off. My body had to heal, my mind, my spirit. Now it’s about putting your best foot forward.”
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