Odell Beckham Jr.'s much-anticipated debut with the Miami Dolphins will be delayed as the veteran wide receiver is set to miss the start of the 2024 season. Beckham, who will begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, is expected to be sidelined for at least the first four games.
Early Season Setback
Beckham will be absent for crucial matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 1), Buffalo Bills (Week 2), Seattle Seahawks (Week 3), and Tennessee Titans (Week 4). The earliest opportunity for his return is slated for October 6, when the Dolphins face the New England Patriots in Week 5. However, with a bye scheduled for Week 6, there is speculation that the Dolphins might opt to delay his return until the Week 7 home game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The decision to place Beckham on the PUP list follows an unspecified "offseason procedure" that the receiver underwent. This procedure has kept him from participating in any training camp activities, and as a result, he has yet to practice with his new team.
Coaching Insight
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has been reticent about the specifics of Beckham's injury and the recovery timeline, emphasizing that the situation is still fluid. McDaniel's cryptic comment, "TBD. TBD, more information to acquire," encapsulates the uncertainty surrounding Beckham's condition.
Despite his inactivity on the field, McDaniel has praised Beckham's off-the-field contributions. "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 noted on August 23.
Quarterback's Perspective
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who will be leading the Dolphins' offense, shared insights into his budding relationship with Beckham. "Off the field, I've been able to hang out with him a good amount of times. Cool dude, 100%," Tagovailoa stated. However, he also expressed the uncertain dynamic that comes with not having shared reps with Beckham yet. "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," he admitted.
Previous Season and Injury History
Beckham, who signed with Miami in May 2024, spent the previous season with the Baltimore Ravens. His stint with the Ravens was marred by an early-season ankle injury, causing him to miss two games. However, he made a significant impact upon his return, playing in both of the Ravens' playoff games. The specifics of his current injury remain unclear, creating an air of mystery regarding his forthcoming contributions to the Dolphins.
Team Outlook
The Dolphins are entering the 2024 season with high hopes after a promising campaign the previous year. The addition of Beckham was seen as a strategic move to bolster their receiving corps and provide Tagovailoa with a dynamic playmaker. However, with Beckham sidelined for the initial part of the season, the team will need to rely on their existing talent to navigate the early challenges on their schedule.
The Dolphins' decision on when to bring Beckham back will likely be influenced by both his recovery progress and the team's performance in the opening weeks. With Week 6 offering a natural break, the potential delay until Week 7 could allow Beckham additional time to ensure he is at full strength.
As the Dolphins prepare for the start of the season without one of their marquee acquisitions, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Beckham's recovery and the team's performance, eagerly anticipating the moment when Beckham finally takes the field in a Dolphins uniform.