The Miami Dolphins are still waiting to get their first true look at Odell Beckham Jr.
Last month’s free-agent signing has yet to practice with the team. When asked when they can expect to see Beckham on the field, Mike McDaniel jokingly told reporters Wednesday that Beckham’s camouflage uniform is working.
The head coach then seriously explained the team’s approach regarding the veteran wide receiver.
“Everybody is excited to see players when they first get here specifically, and a player of that caliber, everyone is pumped up,” McDaniel said, per the team’s transcript. “But systematically what we try to do is learn the player and develop a relationship with them and adjust to their body on their timeline so we can have the most beneficial, communicative relationship of maintaining health.”
McDaniel worked with head athletic trainer Kyle Johnston to decide not to rush the 31-year-old into action.
“But that’s just due to the individual process that we are very consistent with when new guys come to the team,” he added. “We take nothing of assumption and make sure when guys are on the field, there’s no setbacks. We’re obviously applying that to him.”
Beckham missed the entire 2022 season recovering from a torn ACL before signing with the Baltimore Ravens. The former Pro Bowler caught 35 of 64 targets for 565 yards and three touchdowns during Lamar Jackson’s second MVP season.
OBJ now joins last year’s top-ranked passing offense, giving Tua Tagovailoa another explosive playmaker alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. While he’s yet to practice, Beckham was on the field with his new team for Wednesday’s mandatory minicamp.