Odell Beckham Jr. Nearing Return to Field, But No Set Date

Odell Beckham Jr.’s much-anticipated Miami Dolphins debut could happen as soon as Sunday against the New England Patriots, but it may also take another two weeks. Head coach Mike McDaniel didn’t make any definitive statements regarding Beckham’s status for Week 5, the last before the Dolphins have their bye in Week 6.

Beckham took part in his first actual practice on Thursday after the Dolphins opened their three-week window for his return off the Physically Unable to Perform list. McDaniel suggested that if Beckham does play against the Patriots, don’t expect a heavy role for him, certainly not as big as he could have against the Colts when he’d had three weeks of practice with the team.

At the very least, the first practice for Beckham went well, and McDaniel was measured in his excitement. “There’s something to be said about today’s practice, for sure,” McDaniel said before practice on Friday. “However, I think he’s on a team that’s very motivated to win a football game.”

Beckham isn’t necessarily looking at things as extra pressure, saying he’s motivated by the pressure to perform. “I think at this point in my life, pressure is why I got into this game,” Beckham told reporters on Thursday. “It was never for the attention, because something about knowing that it’s time to perform and then showing up and performing, truly.”

The Dolphins offense could use any kind of contribution from Beckham, especially considering the lack of production they’ve gotten from any wide receiver other than Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Even those two haven’t done much since the opener, so Beckham’s addition could be a significant boost.

Beckham revealed he had surgery in the offseason but didn’t say exactly when, and regretted not having the procedure done earlier. “I had a small cleanup of the knee,” Beckham said. “I probably should have done it earlier, but I didn’t.”

Beckham wanted to make clear that his reason for being with the Dolphins is to contribute to the team’s success. “I chose to be here, to play football in the NFL,” Beckham said. “I could be anywhere in the world right now. I could be overseas anywhere. I could be doing whatever I want.”

Beckham also spoke about his personal life, including having a 2-year-old son and prioritizing family time. “I have a son, he’s 2 years old, and I didn’t get much time to spend with him,” Beckham said. “I feel like he’s growing up fast, and I’m not having that much time.”

Beckham’s agent and he went back and forth about whether to do the surgery right after the season or wait until free agency. “We went back and forth, my agent and I, whether we do it right after the season or we wait until free agency happens,” Beckham said.

Beckham felt like he waited too late and didn’t know what was going on in the free agency process. “I didn’t know what was going on, and I probably should have done it earlier,” Beckham said.

He had conversations with McDaniel and other teammates, which helped him decide to join the Dolphins. “Talking with Mike, just figuring out where I wanted to go, and the conversations I had with him, along with some other brothers that I have down here,” Beckham said.

McDaniel ensured Beckham that it was fine to take his time getting back, and Beckham appreciated that understanding. “He ensured me that that was fine, just try and get back as fast as you can,” Beckham said.

Beckham could be anywhere in the world right now, but he chose to be with the Dolphins and play football in the NFL. “I could be anywhere in the world right now, but I chose to be here,” Beckham said.

He’s motivated to contribute to the team’s success and make a difference on the field. “I think a lot of people don’t know exactly what I was going through,” Beckham said. “Just like everybody in here, we’re all humans. We all go through life.”

Beckham is eager to get back on the field and help the Dolphins win. “I’m eager to try to help do that,” Beckham said. “So you kind of have to weigh… you take in the full breadth of the practice week, and then make a decision.”

The Dolphins are excited to have Beckham on board and are looking forward to seeing him contribute. “It was exciting to see him operate within the offense,” McDaniel said. “He did a good job yesterday. He looked good.”