Odell Beckham Jr. will miss the beginning of the 2024 NFL season as a member of the Miami Dolphins, starting the year on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This status sidelines him for at least the first four games, a significant absence for a team looking to build on a promising previous season.
The Dolphins will navigate their early schedule without Beckham, missing matchups against the Jaguars in Week 1, the Bills in Week 2, the Seahawks in Week 3, and the Titans in Week 4. The earliest fans might see Beckham return to the field is October 6th, when Miami faces the New England Patriots in Week 5. However, with a bye scheduled for Week 6, there is speculation that the team may hold off on Beckham's debut until Week 7 for a home game against the Colts.
Head coach Mike McDaniel offered limited details on Beckham's situation, stating, "TBD. TBD, more information to acquire." Beckham underwent an unspecified "offseason procedure" and has been unable to participate in any training camp activities. His current injury specifics remain unclear, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his return.
Despite being on the sidelines, Beckham has managed to make an impression. McDaniel mentioned, "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." This remark reflects Beckham's ability to instill confidence in his teammates and coaching staff even while recovering.
Beckham, who joined the Dolphins in May 2024 after spending the previous season with the Baltimore Ravens, missed two games early in the 2023 season due to an ankle injury but returned to play in the Ravens' two playoff games. His experience and skill set were expected to be significant assets for Miami, enhancing an offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa shared his off-field experiences with Beckham, stating, "Off the field, I've been able to hang out with him a good amount of times. Cool dude, 100%." However, he acknowledged the challenges of building on-field chemistry without practice reps, 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 absence creates a significant hole in the Dolphins' offensive scheme. The team, coming off a season filled with promise, will lean heavily on its existing roster to fill the void. Coach McDaniel and his staff will need to devise strategies to cover for Beckham's absence while hoping for his swift and full recovery.
As the Dolphins prepare to embark on a challenging start to their season, the team and its fans will keep a close eye on Beckham's progress. His eventual return could provide a timely boost, especially if the team navigates the early weeks successfully. Until then, the Dolphins will rely on their depth and resilience to keep their competitive edge.