After sitting out during OTAs, training camp and preseason, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to miss more time at the start of the regular season.
Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Dolphins placed Beckham on the PUP list on Tuesday, ruling him out for at least four games.
The #Dolphins will start Odell Beckham Jr on PUP, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2024
When Miami signed him in May, they were aware this was possibility, due to an offseason procedure he had. OBJ has worked hard, but MIA felt the best path was to ease him in. It’s a long-term decision. pic.twitter.com/YiROpHqnjX
Rapoport added the Dolphins were aware Beckham could miss some games when they signed him to a one-year, $3M deal in May. The 31-year-old underwent surgery for an undisclosed injury this offseason.
Adding Beckham carried some risk for the Dolphins. The three-time Pro Bowler and 2014 Offensive Rookie of the Year has battled durability issues throughout his 10-year career. He last played an entire season in 2019.
When healthy, Beckham hasn't proven he's still elite. In 14 games with the Baltimore Ravens last season, he recorded 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdown catches.
If Beckham does return soon, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suggested he and Beckham may struggle to develop chemistry after the WR missed out on valuable reps in the offseason.
"Off the field, I've been able to hang out with him a good amount of times. Cool dude, 100 percent," Tagovailoa said in a Monday news conference. "But does that translate? Does our relationship on the field translate? I couldn't tell you because I haven't gotten reps with him. And that's just the honest truth."
Miami's WR production isn't a problem as its receiving corps features Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Last season, the Dolphins led the league in passing yards (265.5).
Still, Beckham's nagging injury seems concerning and raises questions about whether the signing will work out.
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