Odell Beckham Jr. Game-Time Decision For Giants Opener Against Cowboys

Will Odell Beckham Jr. play for the New York Giants Sunday night when they face the Dallas Cowboys? The information filtering out regarding the likelihood of that is muddy at best, and how you read it will likely depend on whether you are an optimist or a pessimist.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that “While the Giants believe Odell Beckham Jr. is considered a game-time decision, there is real doubt whether he will play,”

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was slightly more optimistic, tweeting “2 days ago, there was little hope #NYG WR Odell Beckham would play vs. #Cowboys. Thanks to round-the-clock rehab, he's now a game-time call.”

Rapoport also referred to Beckham’s injury as a high ankle sprain. While that has seemed apparent for weeks, the Giants have continued to say only that Beckham “has an ankle,” providing no other details. Beckham himself has only called it “some kind of ankle sprain.” This is the first credible mention of high ankle sprain I can recall seeing.

Beckham was injured Aug. 21 when he took a low hit from Briean Boddy-Calhoun of the Cleveland Browns during a preseason game. He stretched with teammates this week and did some light, straight-ahead jogging. He has not practiced, nor been seen trying to cut or jump.

Coach Ben McAdoo said earlier in the week that whether or not Beckham plays is up to the doctors.

“If he is cleared medically to play in the game, we will play him. If not, we won’t,” McAdoo said.

Beckham said on Wednesday that he was “itching” to play, but sounded doubtful.

“I wouldn’t count it out,” Beckham said. “My heart – it’s just not going to make this easy.”

[UPDATE: 9:15 a.m.]