When Odell Beckham Jr. makes his debut with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 of the regular season vs. the Houston Texans, it will mark his first NFL game in 574 days.
Odell Beckham Jr. reflected on the injury he suffered during the Rams' Super Bowl win.
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 22, 2023
"I didn't get to live out that moment. This is really something I've dedicated my entire life to — this game and this sport — and I just wanted to have that moment."
(via @jamisonhensley) pic.twitter.com/efpCEHvfPD
After tearing his ACL in Super Bowl 56 as a member of the Los Angeles Rams, Beckham did not sign with a team for the 2022 season as he continued to work his way back from injury. While Beckham's extended absence, age (30) and up-and-down statistical output over the last few years have raised questions about his future viability as a No. 1 target, that didn't stop the Baltimore Ravens from handing a one-year, $15M contract to the wideout this offseason — the highest annual salary of any free agent receiver in 2023.
Just days away from his first training camp with the Ravens, Beckham is ready to reward the franchise for their good faith and silence his doubters during the process.
Odell Beckham Jr. is READY. pic.twitter.com/12v50mZ9Qo
— theScore (@theScore) July 22, 2023
Speaking to ESPN's Jamison Hensley, Beckham explained that he is "very determined and hungry" to return to the gridiron.
"The doubts are for whoever has them to have them, but it's not what enters my mind and my body," Beckham added. "I know what I can do."
According to Hensley and ESPN Stats & Information research, no wide receiver since Jordy Nelson in 2016 has produced a 1,000-yard season after missing the entire year prior. As for Beckham, the three-time Pro Bowler has not eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving since 2019.
No Ravens wideout surpassed 458 yards receiving in 2022, although the club was without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson for five games due to a sprained PCL.
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