Odell Beckham Jr. Set to Play in Giants' Preseason Opener
Coach John Harbaugh says the veteran receiver will suit up for New York's exhibition opener against Minnesota after nearly six years away from the franchise.
Odell Beckham Jr. is set to play for the New York Giants for the first time in nearly six years when the team hosts the Minnesota Vikings in their preseason opener on Saturday, coach John Harbaugh said.
"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, 33, is trying to prove he still belongs in the NFL after a six-game suspension for a failed performance-enhancing drug test and not playing at all in 2025. 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 quarterback Jameis Winston during the opening week. He faces competition for a roster spot from Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, free agent additions Calvin Austin and Darnell Mooney, and rookie Malachi Fields.
Harbaugh would not say whether starting quarterback Jaxson Dart and other regular starters will play against the Vikings.
"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."
Separately, Harbaugh said the Giants have not ruled out signing free agent cornerback Terrion Arnold, who is facing eight felony charges including kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy tied to an alleged February abduction and beating of three men. Arnold, 23, was released by the Detroit Lions after the charges were filed and has visited New Orleans and Seattle this week in addition to the Giants.
"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."
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.
