08/12/26 05:27:00
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08/12 17:25 CDT Odell Beckham Jr. to play in the Giants' preseason opener vs.
the Vikings, John Harbaugh says
Odell Beckham Jr. to play in the Giants' preseason opener vs. the Vikings, John
Harbaugh says
By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Sports Writer
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) --- Odell Beckham Jr. is set to play a game in a New
York Giants uniform for the first time in nearly six years.
While it is an exhibition game, it marks another milestone for the venerated
wide receiver on his homecoming tour. Coach John Harbaugh expects Beckham to
play in the team's preseason opener against Minnesota at home on Saturday.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him play," Harbaugh said Wednesday. "He's looked
good. He's in shape. He's taking every rep he's supposed to take in practice.
He's getting stronger. I feel like he's getting stronger every day. He's in a
good place."
Beckham at 33 is in a very different place than he was in December 2018,
nearing the end of his rookie contract after surpassing 1,000 yards receiving
in four of his first five NFL seasons.
Now, after serving a six-game suspension for failing a performance-enhancing
drug test and not playing at all in 2025, he is attempting to show he still
belongs in the league. His last game was Dec. 8, 2024, with Miami.
"I kind of had two years off," Beckham told reporters in White Sulphur Springs,
West Virginia, earlier this month. "Spiritually, mentally, emotionally,
physically --- whatever it was --- I got time to heal, so, I feel good."
Beckham has shown flashes of his younger self at training camp, including a
catch in the back of the end zone from Jameis Winston during the opening week.
Behind Malik Nabers ( when healthy ), Darius Slayton and others on the depth
chart and with plenty of competition from fellow free agent additions Calvin
Austin and Darnell Mooney and rookie Malachi Fields, there is no guarantee
Beckham makes the initial 53-man roster.
Games and practices provide an opportunity for him to earn a spot. It is not
clear yet who might be throwing him the ball, as Harbaugh dodged a question
about whether franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart and the rest of the expected
starters will play against the Vikings.
No matter who he's catching passes from, Beckham has the chance to steal the
summer spotlight as a returning crowd favorite.
"I can't wait to hear the fans yell when he run out there and catch a touchdown
against the Minnesota Vikings in MetLife Stadium," Winston said. "I think that
is going to be one of the loudest roars. ... I just cannot even imagine just
the anticipation that our fans have."
Harbaugh explains the Giants bringing in Terrion Arnold for a visit
After Terrion Arnold worked out with the Giants, Harbaugh did not rule out them
signing the free agent cornerback, who is facing eight felony charges, before
the legal process runs its course.
"The legal process could take years, so then his career is gone," Harbaugh
said. "I think you have to decide: ?Where does the legal process stand? What
are we really talking about here? What does it look like?' And you have to make
a judgment along those lines."
Arnold, 23, was charged in June with counts of kidnapping, armed robbery and
conspiracy after allegations he orchestrated the abduction and beating of three
men in February. He became when Detroit Lions released him a few days after the
charges were levied.
New York is the third team to bring in Arnold for a visit this week alone,
after New Orleans and defending champion Seattle. Harbaugh explained the
reasoning as wanting to be aggressive, while acknowledging there's a
risk-reward proposition to the possibility.
"There's things to be gained and things to be lost, and you just kind of got to
balance it out and try to make a decision that's two-fold," Harbaugh said. "One
aspect is what's best for your football team. The other aspect is what's best
for your organization and your people and doing the right thing."
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