The ankle injury that forced Odell Beckham Jr. to exit early from Sunday’s Baltimore Ravens game isn’t believed to be serious, according to an update Monday.
“My understanding is Beckham is managing the issue and if all goes well, it shouldn’t affect his availability going forward,” NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport tweeted.
Playing in his second game with the Ravens, the 30-year-old wide receiver was ruled out during the third quarter of a 27-24 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. He appeared to aggravate the ankle during the first quarter.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said after the game he didn’t believe Beckham’s injury to be significant but anticipated learning more Monday. Harbaugh then addressed Beckham’s status again during a Monday press conference.
“We got a lot more information,” Harbaugh said. “I’m going to keep that close to the vest, though, right now. I can tell you this: If there’s any long-term issue, we’ll let you know what it is, if it’s going to be anything like an [injured reserve] thing or anything like that. We’re not there yet with anybody.”
AP Photo/Emilee Chinn
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) reaches for the end zone while being held back by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) in the first half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Cincinnati.
As a member of the Giants, Beckham missed the 2017 season opener with an ankle sprain, then suffered a season-ending ankle fracture in Week 5 of that year.
The three-time Pro Bowler, who spent his first five years with the Giants, tore his left ACL with the Cleveland Browns in 2020, then suffered the same knee injury with the Los Angeles Rams during the following season’s Super Bowl.
Beckham didn’t play last season and signed a one-year contract worth up to $18 million with Baltimore for 2023.
His addition was one of several splashy offseason moves by the Ravens, who also signed former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson to a five-year, $260 million extension and selected wide receiver Zay Flowers in the first round of the NFL draft.
The Ravens are 2-0 but have been beset by injuries, with running back J.K. Dobbins suffering a season-ending Achilles tear and star tight end Mark Andrews missing Week 1 with a quad ailment. Starting offensive linemen Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum and defensive backs Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams each missed Week 2 with injuries.
Beckham has five catches for 66 yards this season. Flowers leads the team with 13 catches and 140 receiving yards through two games.
Before the season, Beckham said he considered retiring after his second knee injury.
“I’m thinking like this is my last year,” Beckham told The Athletic of the 2023 season. “I’m going to give it my all this year. And then if something happens after that, we can go from there.”
The Ravens are scheduled to play the Indianapolis Colts at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Source : https://www.nydailynews.com/2023/09/18/odell-beckham-jr-ankle-injury/
