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10/05 13:14 CDT Odell Beckham Jr. will make his Dolphins debut vs. Patriots
after being activated from PUP
Odell Beckham Jr. will make his Dolphins debut vs. Patriots after being
activated from PUP
By ALANIS THAMES
AP Sports Writer
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) --- The Miami Dolphins activated Odell Beckham Jr.
from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday, clearing the way for
the veteran receiver to make his season debut Sunday at New England.
Beckham signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins in May but missed the
first four games of the season after having what he described as a "small
cleanup" in his knee in the offseason.
He said going on the PUP list wasn't what he wanted, but he ultimately made the
best decision for the team.
"For me it was a selfless act," Beckham said, "because if I'm not on the PUP
list, I'm taking up a roster spot, which means I'm taking someone else's job
and I'm not doing anything. It's not really a good feeling to have."
He practiced for the first time on Thursday, hoping to get into game shape to
help spark Miami's struggling offense.
The Dolphins are averaging 11.3 points per game, the worst mark in the NFL,
with 187.3 yards passing per game and 97.8 yards rushing. Four different
quarterbacks have taken snaps for them because of injuries.
Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowler who won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles
Rams, said it was hard for him to watch from the sideline as the Dolphins
struggled.
"I would have rathered us be 4-0 right now," Beckham said, "and then I'd feel
like, ?Oh, I can't wait to get in,' instead of where we're at and feeling like
I should have been out there battling with them win, lose or draw."
Coach Mike McDaniel said Beckham looked good in his first practice.
"It was exciting to see him operate within the offense," McDaniel said Friday.
"He did a good job yesterday, he looked good. But me, being Year 3 as a head
coach, I temper my excitement. I try to see how he feels and looks today after
a little workload and then be responsible for the team."
McDaniel said Beckham likely would see a limited role Sunday, which would
increase in his next game. The Dolphins have a bye week after their game
against the Patriots, then travel to face the Indianapolis Colts.
The Dolphins also re-signed quarterback Tim Boyle to the practice squad
Saturday and elevated him, along with cornerback Nik Needham, to the active
roster. Cornerback Cam Smith was ruled out.
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