Odell Beckham Jr. to play in the Giants’ preseason opener vs. the Vikings, John Harbaugh says

is set to play a game in a New York Giants uniform for the first time in nearly six years. While it is an exhibition game, it marks another milestone for the venerated wide receiver on his homecoming tour. Coach John Harbaugh expects Beckham to play in the team’s preseason opener against Minnesota at home on Saturday.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him play,” Harbaugh said Wednesday. He’s taking every rep he’s supposed to take in practice. I feel like he’s getting stronger every day.

He’s in a good place.” Beckham at 33 is in a very different place than he was in December 2018, nearing the end of his rookie contract after surpassing 1,000 yards receiving in four of his first five NFL seasons. Now, after serving a six-game suspension for failing a performance-enhancing drug test and not playing at all in 2025, he is attempting to show he still belongs in the league. “I kind of had two years off,” Beckham told reporters in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, earlier this month.

“Spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically — whatever it was — I got time to heal, so, I feel good.” Beckham has shown flashes of his younger self at training camp, including a catch in the back of the end zone from Jameis Winston during the opening week. Behind Malik Nabers ( when healthy ), Darius Slayton and others on the depth chart and with plenty of competition from fellow free agent additions Calvin Austin and Darnell Mooney and rookie Malachi Fields, there is no guarantee Beckham makes the initial 53-man roster. Games and practices provide an opportunity for him to earn a spot.

It is not clear yet who might be throwing him the ball, as Harbaugh dodged a question about whether franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart and the rest of the expected starters will play against the Vikings. No matter who he’s catching passes from, Beckham has the chance to steal the summer spotlight as a returning crowd favorite. “I can’t wait to hear the fans yell when he run out there and catch a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in MetLife Stadium,” Winston said.

“I think that is going to be one of the loudest roars. … I just cannot even imagine just the anticipation that our fans have.” Harbaugh explains the Giants bringing in Terrion Arnold for … 8, 2024, with Miami.“I kind of had two years off,” Beckham told reporters in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, earlier this month.