Vikings Release Odell Beckham Jr. 1 Day After 53-Man Promotion

Q: Why did the Vikings release Odell Beckham Jr. just 24 hours after activating him for a prime-time game?

The Vikings released Odell Beckham Jr. because his promotion for Monday night appears to have been a short-term roster move, not a sign of a permanent role on the 53-man roster. Minnesota signed Beckham up from the practice squad to cover a specific need at wide receiver heading into the Bills game, with Jauan Jennings out and recent uncertainty around the health of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Beckham was active but not targeted, which underscored that he was functioning more as emergency depth than as part of the core offensive plan. The timing of the release also fits a broader roster reshuffle. The Vikings needed space for other moves, including putting tight end Josh Oliver on injured reserve and promoting players such as linebacker Kyle Van Noy and quarterback Max Brosmer to the active roster. Jeshaun Jones also returned to the 53-man roster after serving his suspension, adding to the numbers squeeze. Reporting from Tom Pelissero indicated the move was expected to be temporary, with the Vikings planning to bring Beckham back to the practice squad. In practical terms, Minnesota appears to value Beckham as a flexible veteran insurance option who can be elevated quickly if injuries force the issue, rather than as a full-time active-roster receiver right now.

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Nov 10

Minnesota cut Odell Beckham Jr. from its active roster one day after elevating him to the 53-man squad for Monday night’s game against Buffalo.
Beckham played against the Bills but drew no targets, and the move is not expected to end his stint with the team.
Tom Pelissero reported the Vikings plan to bring Beckham back on the practice squad as part of ongoing roster management.
The transaction lands in a busy week for Minnesota, which also acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from Las Vegas at the trade deadline.