Giants Training Camp: Odell Beckham Jr. Cleared for Drills

Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The Return of Odell Beckham Jr.

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Rookie

Odell Beckham Jr.

hasn’t been an active participant at Giants practice since the opening day of camp on July 22nd. Nearly three weeks later, Beckham’s hamstring injury has gradually mended, and he’s been

cleared to return

for Monday’s individual drills. Head coach Tom Coughlin, who hasn’t reserved his displeasure for Beckham, emphasized easing the rook back into on-field activities:

"“He is going to practice on an individual basis,” Coughlin said Sunday, “and then they are going to assess where he is.” “If he can do a little more, then maybe he will do a little bit more,” Coughlin said, “but if he can’t then we will keep it strictly with individual.”"

Up to this point, Beckham’s practice routine has consisted mostly of catching balls off the jugs machine (see GIF below), fielding punts and, more recently, some light route running.

Credit: Giants.com

The hamstring recovery process is not foreign to OBJ, and he’s made it a priority not to push himself too soon:

"“With a hamstring, it’s that last leg that you need,” he said. “You feel like you’re good to go but you’re just not there yet. You rush back out there and you risk putting yourself back out with an injury.”"

While it doesn’t appear that a return to game action against Indianapolis (August 16th) is realistic, a light at the end of the tunnel is solace enough — he’s healing. IF all goes well, there’s no reason to believe Beckham won’t be suited up for his Big Blue debut versus the Jets on Friday night the 22nd. And when he returns, a new facet of the offense is likely to be unleashed with him. The words of Tom Coughlin:

"“I think some of the vertical is in, but we haven’t seen the ball down the field very well. I certainly think that’s coming.”"

The Return of Odell Beckham Jr.

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