The Miami Dolphins activated Odell Beckham Jr. from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday, allowing the veteran receiver to make his season debut on Sunday against New England.
Beckham signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins in May but missed the first four games of the season due to what he called a “small cleanup” on his knee during the offseason.
He mentioned that being placed on the PUP list was not his choice, but he made the best decision for the team.
“For me it was a selfless act,” Beckham said, “because if I’m not on the PUP list, I’m taking up a roster spot, which means I’m taking someone else’s job and I’m not doing anything. It’s not really a good feeling to have.”
He practiced for the first time on Thursday, aiming to get into game shape to help improve Miami’s struggling offense.
The Dolphins are averaging 11.3 points per game, the lowest in the NFL, with 187.3 passing yards and 97.8 rushing yards per game. Four different quarterbacks have played due to injuries.
Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowler who won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, found it difficult to watch from the sidelines as the Dolphins struggled.
“I would have rathered us be 4-0 right now,” Beckham said, “and then I’d feel like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait to get in,’ instead of where we’re at and feeling like I should have been out there battling with them win, lose or draw.”
Coach Mike McDaniel said Beckham looked good during his first practice.
“It was exciting to see him operate within the offense,” McDaniel said on Friday. “He did a good job yesterday, he looked good. But me, being Year 3 as a head coach, I temper my excitement. I try to see how he feels and looks today after a little workload and then be responsible for the team.”
