As you’ve likely heard already, Giants’ star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. suffered an ankle injury in their second preseason game on Monday night. His recovery timetable has put playing in the season-opener between New York and the Dallas Cowboys in question.
The Giants will be coming to Dallas for Sunday Night Football on September 10th, which is just two-and-a-half weeks from now. Beckham’s injury, which has been called a sprain, could take 2-3 weeks to heal.
While we never root for injuries for our opponents, Beckham missing the opener would at least help even the playing field for the Cowboys. They are already facing a long list of Week One absences with suspensions to Ezekiel Elliott and several defensive players. Elliott’s availability is still under appeal.
That said, OBJ’s career numbers against the Cowboys are nothing spectacular. In six games he has 31 catches for 426 yards and five touchdowns. He’s only scored one touchdown against Dallas in the last two years and hasn’t had a 100-yard game since 2014. The games have been split 3-3 between the two franchises, with New York winning the last three.
Beckham’s ankle isn’t the only concern for the Giants’ receiving corps. Brandon Marshall, acquired last Spring in free agency, hurt his shoulder on Monday night but is expected to be fine for Week One. In early August, Sterling Shepard had to be carted off the field for an ankle injury during practice but appears to have recovered quickly.
It will be interesting to see how the Giants manage Beckham’s injury. If the Cowboys are missing several players, New York may give OBJ the extra rest and try to win without him. Beckham’s contract situation is another factor; he may not be willing to risk further damage while still waiting to get a long-term deal.
Cowboys-Giants games don’t need help with intrigue, but this new development with one of the game’s elite receivers certainly adds some. We’re still less than 72 hours from the initial injury, so more information and clarity is sure to come.
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