The Cleveland Browns are a better team with Odell Beckham Jr. healthy and on the field.
That is just a fact given his immense talent.
So it is obvious the team wants him out there Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Unfortunately, he remains questionable heading into Week 1.
Browns’ HC Kevin Stefanski on the status of WR Odell Beckham Jr. for Sunday’s opener against the Chiefs: pic.twitter.com/YfT3J7yAbd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 10, 2021
The key part of the above tweet is when Kevin Stefanski acknowledges Beckham has not taken any full-contact hits yet.
That should explain why he remains questionable following the conclusion of the preseason.
A Note On Injury Reports
Teams have to note injuries all over the roster or face fines for not doing so.
So given Beckham has been limited, it makes sense why he is on the injury report.
Jadeveon Clowney, who has also been limited, is listed as questionable as well.
Seeking A Strong Comeback
Beckham not playing in the preseason comes as no surprise.
Even forget about his torn ACL for a second.
Teams all over the NFL were resting stars this preseason with the impending 17-game regular season.
That was true regardless of health status.
Odell Beckham Jr when targeted in the end zone during his career:
🔸 82 Targets
🔸 0 dropsThe longest streak among active players 👀 pic.twitter.com/TjowteIw03
— PFF (@PFF) September 7, 2021
But back to the ACL.
Beckham only appeared in seven games for the Browns last season before leaving with the injury.
When he did leave, it was a common sentiment among fans on social media to say the offense was better without him.
That ignores the fact he is an elite talent and the team struggling was not all on him.
Beckham went over 1,000 yards in 2018 during a disappointing season and is looking to get back to that level at a minimum in 2021.
That would not only help the Browns, but would also let him prove to the world that he is still the same OBJ that burst onto the scene with the New York Giants.
All A Smokescreen?
Stefanski is remaining coy and it may be because he truly doesn’t know how Beckham will be come Sunday.
However, it may be just another tactic in an attempt to throw off the Chiefs.
Will it work?
The team should show up prepared for Beckham, meaning if he is not there that would end up being an advantage.
The Browns should also be fine regardless, given the strong running game and the newfound depth of pass-catchers on the roster.
But if Beckham does go at full strength, he could make a massive statement putting the Browns truly on the map as a Super Bowl contender.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield And Browns Teammates Already Showing Great Chemistry