The Rams’ receiver situation was already drawing plenty of attention, and Odell Beckham Jr. quickly became part of the conversation after the Minnesota Vikings cut him on Tuesday.
That move came shortly after Minnesota acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of the NFL’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline.
The Vikings also let go of guard C.J. Hanson and offensive tackle Corey Robinson II from their practice squad.
For reporters around Los Angeles, the timing was impossible to ignore. The Rams had gone through the deadline without landing a receiver, even with growing concern over Puka Nacua’s health.
Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News reposted Minnesota’s announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, with an eyes emoji. The Athletic’s Nate Atkins answered with a thinking emoji, and Los Angeles Times reporter Gary Klein offered a similarly short reaction.
That buzz didn’t last long. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero later reported that Beckham would stay with Minnesota.
“OBJ isn’t done: The Vikings are re-signing Odell Beckham Jr. to the practice squad, per source.”
Los Angeles had been shopping for help at receiver before the deadline after Nacua suffered PCL and MCL sprains along with turf toe in Sunday’s 20-13 win over the Washington Commanders. The injury could sideline him for at least four games, leaving the Rams short one of their most productive offensive pieces.
The Rams were connected to Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs and Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. before the deadline, but neither path opened up. Downs ended up being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, while Thomas stayed put in Jacksonville.
Los Angeles did make a couple of moves to reshape the position group, signing wide receiver Xavier Smith and placing Jordan Whittington on injured reserve.
Beckham’s name still carries real weight in Los Angeles because of what he did during the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI run in 2021. He caught 27 passes for 305 yards and five touchdowns in eight regular-season games with the team, then added 21 receptions for 288 yards and two scores in the postseason before tearing his ACL in the Super Bowl.
With Beckham now headed back to Minnesota’s practice squad, a reunion looks more complicated. Still, the Rams could revisit the idea if he becomes available.
Los Angeles, 5-4, will try to make it four straight wins on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, who are 3-6. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT on CBS.
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