Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will kick off the 2024 season on the physically unable to perform list, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Dolphins will start Odell Beckham Jr on PUP, per me and @TomPelissero.
When Miami signed him in May, they were aware this was possibility, due to an offseason procedure he had. OBJ has worked hard, but MIA felt the best path was to ease him in. It’s a long-term decision. pic.twitter.com/YiROpHqnjX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2024
Despite signing with the Dolphins in May, Beckham hasn’t participated in practice due to an undisclosed injury. The team anticipated this possibility following his offseason procedure, which means he will miss at least the first four games of the season.
At 31, Beckham finds himself on his fourth NFL team in as many years, following a season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, where he recorded 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns.
Once regarded as one of the top receivers in the NFL, Beckham’s performance has declined following two ACL tears—first with the Cleveland Browns in 2020, and another during Super Bowl LVI while with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.
The second injury sidelined him for the entire 2022 season, but he was known for his acrobatic catches, most notably the iconic touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during his rookie season.
Six years ago today, Odell Beckham Jr. had one of the best catches in NFL history.
He has signed a $95M extension and a potential $50M shoe deal since, but it’s impossible to determine the true financial impact that catch had on his career.pic.twitter.com/anVx5iCqOk
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) November 23, 2020
Prior to his injuries, Beckham had over 1,000 receiving yards in five of his first six seasons, exceeding 1,300 yards in each of his first three years.
Even without Beckham, the Dolphins offense is expected to thrive. Last season, they led the league in total and passing yards per game, averaging an impressive 401.3 yards. Tyreek Hill topped the charts in receiving yards, while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and running back Raheem Mostert led their respective categories as well.
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Miami’s offense is known for its speed, with Hill and fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle forming one of the fastest duos in the league. Hill clocked a 4.29 40-yard dash, while Waddle posted 4.37, both of whom are capable of outrunning defenders at any moment.
Alongside their electrifying receivers, the Dolphins also have speedy running backs, De’Von Achane and Mostert, the latter of whom has reached over 20 MPH on carries. Achane also averaged 7.8 yards per carry last season due to his explosive speed.
The Dolphins will be ready to welcome Beckham back when he’s fit, but they’re set to hold the fort in the meantime.