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When the Miami Dolphins signed free-agent receiver Odell Beckham Jr. earlier in the offseason, many believed the team would have one of the most dangerous wide receiver trios in the NFL.
But with training camp nearly over and the regular season right around the corner, Beckham Jr. has yet to practice with his new team after being placed on the physically unable to perform list last month. OBJ’s absence has been noticeable, especially to his quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who expressed to reporters on Monday that the lack of reps with his new pass-catcher has him concerned.
“Off the field, I’ve been able to hang out with him [Beckham Jr.] a good amount of times,” Tagovailoa said.
“Cool dude, 100 percent. But does that translate? Does our relationship translate on the field? I couldn’t tell you because I haven’t gotten reps with him. And that’s just the honest truth.”
In addition to needing to get down a rhythm with Tagovailoa and learn his timing, Beckham Jr. also likely needs to shake off a bit of rust and overcome a small learning curve.
Yes, Beckham Jr. is a nine-year veteran with five 1,000-yard seasons, three Pro Bowls and two Second Team All-Pro selections. But he’s also played just 14 games over the last two years and he’s missed 34 games since the 2019 season.
“One of the first things that I want to do [with Beckham Jr.]: routes on air,” Tagovailoa added. “Want to make sure I get as many reps with him [as I can]. OK, he’s going to go in for this rep, let’s make sure that this guy’s going to get the ball, make sure the coverage isn’t whatever. I want to make sure the timing is good. I just want to make sure that’s all good and whatnot.”