Odell Beckham Jr. to Miss Start of 2024 Season with Dolphins
Miami Dolphins fans will have to wait to see star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in action, as he is set to miss the start of the 2024 season. Beckham will begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least the first four games. This hiatus marks a significant delay in contributions from the player, who was signed by the Dolphins only in May 2024.
Beckham's absence will be felt in early matchups against the Jaguars (Week 1), Bills (Week 2), Seahawks (Week 3), and Titans (Week 4). Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that the earliest Beckham can return is October 6, when the Dolphins face off against the Patriots in Week 5. The team has a bye scheduled for Week 6, leading to speculation that Beckham might not return until Week 7 when Miami hosts the Colts.
It's worth noting that Beckham has yet to practice with the Dolphins. Having undergone an unspecified "offseason procedure," he has not participated in any training camp activities. McDaniel's recent comments on August 23 underscored the uncertainty surrounding Beckham's condition: "TBD. TBD, more information to acquire." He further elaborated on Beckham's impact despite his sidelined status: "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."
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who hasn’t yet had the opportunity to take reps with Beckham, echoed McDaniel's sentiments regarding Beckham's off-field presence. "Off the field, I've been able to hang out with him [Beckham] a good amount of times. Cool dude, 100%," said Tagovailoa. However, he remains cautious about their on-field chemistry, 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."
Before signing with the Dolphins, Beckham spent the 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens. His tenure there was marred by an early-season ankle injury that caused him to miss two games. Despite the rocky start, Beckham made a triumphant return and played in both of the Ravens' playoff games. The specifics of his current injury remain somewhat elusive, contributing to a cloud of uncertainty around his recovery timeline.
McDaniel, who is heading into his second season with the Dolphins, has expressed a cautious optimism regarding Beckham's potential impact. The coach's emphasis on leadership qualities and Beckham’s mentality may hint at the broader role the organization envisions for him, beyond his performance on the field.
The Dolphins are coming off a promising season and the addition of Beckham was seen as bolstering an already dynamic offensive lineup, headlined by Tagovailoa. As the team prepares to kick off the 2024 season, the focus will inevitably turn to how they adapt in Beckham's absence and integrate him effectively upon his return.
Miami's season opener against the Jaguars will be a crucial early test for the team as they navigate their initial games without Beckham’s electrifying presence on the field. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Dolphins' offense performs and how Beckham's eventual return might influence their trajectory.