In a move that gives Minnesota fans a glimpse of former NFL star power, the Vikings have signed 33‑year‑old wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to their practice squad. The announcement came Wednesday, alongside the addition of fellow receiver Jeshaun Jones.
Beckham’s recent NFL journey
Beckham’s stint with the New York Giants this season was brief and uneventful. He appeared in three games, recording no catches on a single target while logging just 20 snaps. In his own words, Beckham felt the Giants gave him the “run along” during training camp and the preseason, a sentiment he shared on social media after his release.
He signed a one‑year veteran minimum contract with the Giants in the offseason, worth about $1.3 million, but the team cut him early, leaving him to seek another opportunity.
Why the Vikings need help at receiver
The Vikings’ receiving group has been hit by injuries and limited production. All‑Pro wideout Justin Jefferson is sidelined with an ankle injury suffered in Week 3. While Jordan Addison has stepped up, posting 11 receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown, no other receiver has more than two catches this season. Tight end T.J. Hockenson leads the team with 195 yards on 22 receptions.
Additional depth concerns include Jauan Jennings, who began the season injured, and the limited involvement of Tai Felton and Myles Price. Adding Beckham, even on the practice squad, gives the coaching staff a veteran option to evaluate in practice and potentially promote if the injury situation worsens.
What Beckham can bring
Beckham’s preseason and training‑camp performances have shown he can still separate from defenders after the snap. While his on‑field impact with the Vikings remains to be seen, his experience and route‑running ability could provide a valuable mentor for younger players and a possible spark if promoted to the active roster.
Vikings fans are encouraged to remain optimistic but cautious, remembering the limited role Beckham played in New York. The team is scheduled to travel to New Orleans for a Week 5 matchup against the Saints, where the depth at receiver will be tested.
Community reaction
Local supporters expressed excitement on social media, noting that Beckham’s presence could energize the fan base and add a familiar name to the roster. The Vikings organization has not detailed any immediate plans for Beckham’s activation, leaving the decision to the coaching staff as the season progresses.
As the Vikings continue to navigate injuries and seek consistency on offense, the addition of a former star to the practice squad reflects a pragmatic approach: keep options open, develop talent internally, and remain competitive in the NFC North.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
