Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s return to the New York Giants was always going to come with plenty of attention. His first preseason appearance back in a Giants uniform gave him a chance to show he still has something left, but one missed opportunity against the Minnesota Vikings left him frustrated with himself.
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Beckham was asked after the game whether his new gloves had anything to do with the missed touchdown opportunity. His answer was direct, taking the responsibility entirely on himself.
“Oh, I’m pissed. This is the one that keeps me up at night. It’s a play that I know I can make. Just felt like I was hanging so long,” Beckham said during the interview. “You take it on the chin like a man. Confidence is still there, and I know that I’ll make that play next time.”
The full exchange came during Beckham’s postgame media session following the Giants’ preseason opener against Minnesota. The Giants lost 13-10, while Beckham finished with two catches for six yards in his first home game for New York since December 2018.
When asked whether the ball was where it needed to be, he made his position clear.
“Oh yeah. I take that. I don’t care if it was high or lower, wherever it was at, it’s on me. I feel like if the ball’s anywhere near me, if it touches my fingertips, I’m supposed to catch it. So, that’s on nobody but me.”
Beckham still has something to prove in New York. After sitting out the 2025 season, he is competing for a spot on the Giants’ crowded receiver room at age 33. He was listed with the third team on the Giants’ first depth chart, though he has also gotten some work with the starters during camp.
The Giants have several other receivers competing for limited roster spots, including Darius Slayton, Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III and rookie Malachi Fields. Beckham’s lack of special-teams involvement also adds another hurdle as the team works toward its final 53-man roster.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh didn’t guarantee his roster spot after the game despite offering praise.
“I love Odell. What he’s doing, what he’s fighting for, I don’t know how it’s going to turn out,” Harbaugh said.
With the Giants’ final roster deadline set for August 30, Beckham has limited time to strengthen his case. The missed touchdown won’t decide his fate by itself, but with several receivers competing for spots, every preseason opportunity carries weight.