Giants coach John Harbaugh just dropped a pretty clear statement about Odell Beckham Jr., saying the receiver has had a “good camp” and that this past week was his “best week of camp.” That’s a wild turnaround for a guy who hasn’t seen an NFL field since December 8, 2024, and sat out the entire 2025 season. Seriously, Beckham has only played 23 games in the last four seasons, so when he signed a one-year, minimum deal with the Giants this offseason, everyone was asking the same thing: can he even make the 53-player roster?
The Comeback Story Everyone’s Wondering About
Beckham’s journey back to the NFL has been a massive question mark. After so much time away, signing a minimum deal with the Giants felt like a last-ditch effort, a real prove-it situation. But Harbaugh’s words? They’re giving folks some serious hope. “He’s looked good and made numerous plays,” Harbaugh said on Wednesday. He even stressed how Beckham made “numerous plays” just that day. It sounds like the talent is still there, showing up when it counts in practice, despite all the missed time and the nagging questions about his durability. This isn’t just a coach being nice, it sounds like real, observable performance on the field that’s getting noticed.
The Numbers and the Verdict
Now, let’s look at the actual game action. Beckham caught four passes for 23 yards over the first two preseason games. Not exactly lighting the world on fire, right? And to add to that, he even dropped a touchdown pass against the Dolphins last weekend. Those numbers by themselves don’t exactly scream “roster lock.” But Giants General Manager Joe Schoen backed up Harbaugh earlier in the day on WFAN Sports Radio, saying, “I think the kid can still play.” Schoen added that Beckham “has shown enough that he can still play” and that they are going to continue evaluating him, especially with him playing in Friday’s preseason finale. This is huge, especially because wide receiver Calvin Austin III just suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his right knee, creating a “next-man-up” situation for the Giants. That injury might just open a door for Beckham that wasn’t there before, giving him a clearer path to that 53-man roster.
So, all eyes are on Friday’s preseason finale against the Jets. Beckham is expected to play, and you know he’s gotta perform. His future on that 53-player roster hangs in the balance, and this game could be the decider.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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