Full Breakdown
Odell Beckham Jr. Joins Minnesota Vikings Practice Squad
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 7, 2026 the Minnesota Vikings announced that veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has been added to their practice squad. With the team’s top receiver Justin Jefferson sidelined by an ankle injury, Beckham will wear No. 9, previously worn by quarterback J.J. McCarthy before his trade to the New York Giants. The signing gives the 33-year-old a chance to compete for a role in Minnesota’s offense.
Background & Context
Beckham’s tenure with the New York Giants ended when the club waived him on September 29 after three games in which he logged 19 offensive snaps, one target and no receptions. The Giants had brought him back on June 1 with a veteran-minimum deal. He missed the entire 2025 season after serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing-drug policy.
Timeline
- June 1, 2026 – Beckham signs a one-year, veteran-minimum contract with the Giants.
- September 29, 2026 – Giants waive Beckham after three games without a catch.
- October 7, 2026 – Vikings add Beckham to their practice squad and assign him No. 9.
Data & Statistics
- Career totals: 575 receptions, 7,987 receiving yards, 59 touchdowns.
- Recent production: 2023 with the Ravens – 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns; 2024 with the Dolphins – nine catches for 55 yards.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Kevin O’Connell said the practice-squad signing will help Beckham “get acclimated to our offense” while the team monitors Jefferson’s ankle recovery.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've seen him do it before,” — Kevin O'Connell, coach
- “The guy loves football. I love the person, I love the energy, the joy he has to play football and compete,” — Kevin O’Connell, Vikings coach
On-the-Ground Reports
Vikings officials indicated that Beckham could be elevated for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, providing depth while Jefferson remains questionable. O’Connell noted the receiver room is “a little banged up” and that the practice-squad addition will help “get him going” in the offense.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Beckham’s most recent productive season: some cite his 2023 Ravens performance, while others reference his 2024 Dolphins stint. No source provides a definitive assessment of his current health beyond the prior suspension and past knee injuries, leaving uncertainty about his immediate impact.
What’s Next
The Vikings will evaluate Beckham during practice ahead of the Week 5 game at the Caesars Superdome. If Jefferson’s ankle improves, he may return, but the team retains the option to promote Beckham from the practice squad for the Saints contest. Beckham’s jersey number and role will be finalized pending those decisions.