Is Odell Beckham Jr. Healthy Enough For A Return to the NFL?

DCM

David Chao, MD

2 min read • March 10, 2023

Posted in

NFL
Is Odell Beckham Jr. Healthy Enough For A Return to the NFL?

Odell Beckham Jr. was once one of the most dynamic players with a football in their hand. He averaged 5.6 yards after the catch during the first three years of his career.

But after suffering a second ACL tear in the 2022 Super Bowl, many might wonder if he can still play at a high level.

The Pro Football Docs are optimistic about Beckham's chances to return an play effectively this season. By the time training camp starts, he will have had nearly a year-and-a-half to recover from his ACL retear.

Age will likely be a bigger concern for teams than his knee. Beckham, who turns 31 in November, is holding a workout for teams Friday in Arizona with former Virginia Tech quarterback Ryan Willis throwing to him.

The track record of explosive wide receivers turning 31 hasn’t been excellent for recent NFL stars such as A.J. Green and Julio Jones.

Still, Beckham will generate plenty of interest. The Chiefs, Bills, Giants, 49ers and Cowboys are all reportedly in the market for a wide receiver.

Jakobi Meyers is the top wideout in this year's free agent class.

Michael Thomas is also reportedly expected to hit the open market.

The Pro Football Docs have much greater optimism about Beckham's production than Thomas or Meyers.

Before getting injured, Beckham had 21 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs for the Rams. He was finally starting to look like his vintage self before his retear in Super Bowl LVI.

Beckham met with the New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys last season in an attempt to come back.

Look for OBJ’s market to heat up after he proves he can still be an explosive player at his workout.