Odell Beckham Jr. to Miss Start of 2024 Season with Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins will start their 2024 campaign without one of their most highly-anticipated acquisitions, Odell Beckham Jr. The star wide receiver, who joined the team in May 2024, will begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least the first four games.
Beckham, previously with the Baltimore Ravens, had an injury-plagued 2023 season where he missed two early games due to an ankle issue but returned for the Ravens' playoff run. This past offseason, he underwent an unspecified procedure, which has prevented him from participating in training camp activities and any practices with the Dolphins.
As a result, Beckham will miss key early-season matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 1), Buffalo Bills (Week 2), Seattle Seahawks (Week 3), and Tennessee Titans (Week 4). The earliest he could make his debut for the Dolphins would be on October 6, against the New England Patriots in Week 5. However, with the Dolphins' bye scheduled for Week 6, there is speculation that the team might hold off his return until Week 7 for their home game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, addressing Beckham's situation, remained noncommittal regarding a specific timeline for the receiver's return. "TBD. TBD, more information to acquire," McDaniel said. Nonetheless, he expressed confidence in Beckham’s off-field contributions, highlighting his leadership despite his lack of on-field action. "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 added on August 23.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa echoed McDaniel’s sentiments regarding Beckham’s role off the field. "Off the field, I've been able to hang out with him a good amount of times. Cool dude, 100%," Tagovailoa said. However, he admitted the uncertainty about their on-field chemistry, given that they haven't had the opportunity to practice together. "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," Tagovailoa stated.
The uncertainty surrounding Beckham's injury raises questions about the Dolphins' strategy for his integration into the lineup. The specifics of his current ailment remain unclear, with no official details disclosed beyond the acknowledgment of an offseason procedure. The situation has led to heightened scrutiny and speculation among fans and analysts as the Dolphins gear up for a season brimming with expectations following a promising previous year.
Given Beckham's established reputation and the excitement surrounding his signing, his absence is a significant blow to the team’s early-season plans. However, Beckham's eventual return could provide a substantial boost to the Dolphins' offensive firepower, especially if his chemistry with Tagovailoa develops as hoped. For now, the Dolphins will have to navigate their early schedule without him, leaning on their existing roster depth and the strategic acumen of their head coach.
Beckham's journey to recovery and eventual return to the field will be a major storyline for the Dolphins' 2024 season, one that players, coaches, and fans alike will watch closely. His ability to lead from the sidelines, coupled with his potential impact on the field, underscores the multifaceted role he is expected to play for Miami. As the season progresses, the Dolphins will need to adapt and respond to this early challenge, striving to maintain their momentum and build upon their recent successes.