Aug 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) during pre game warm up at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
On Monday, Odell Beckham, Jr. participated in the team portion of practice for the first time since organized team activities. Odell has had a figurative thorn in his hamstring for the duration of preseason and the first four games. That injury has been a metaphorical thorn in Coach Tom Coughlin’s side. Coughlin has repeatedly refused to criticize the young receiver, calling the lack of practice and playing time “frustrating.”
Hopefully soon Coach Coughlin will have something real to criticize.
Beat reporters at Monday’s practice observed that Beckham was running naturally without any limp but wasn’t running full speed. It’s likely the giants plan to ease him into practicing. Patricia Traina of Bleacher Report noted that Beckham was not running at full sprint during practice.
Coah Coughlin later spoke on the rookie’s involvement in practice, saying that the goal is to allow Beckham to practice and play with consistency.
The Jet Press
Eli also remarked on the possible return of his new offensive weapon. When asked what Beckham could bring to the offense, the quarterback had one word to describe it: “speed.”
Odell Beckham, Jr. not only had the small area movement skills of a punt returner and polished route runner, he has incredible top speed. Beckham’s 4.38 40 yard dash time at the rookie combine beats out the records times for any of the other receivers on this Giants roster.
The best way for the Giants to involve Beckham will at first be in small doses. With a Giants offense that is starting to move the chains and deliver in the red zone, shaking things up too much can disrupt the offensive rhythm. Beckham will have to earn every bit of his role in the offense, but once he starts to get his hands on the ball, it will be difficult or the coaches to not give it to him more frequently.