Odell Beckham Jr. Signs With Minnesota Vikings Practice Squad Ahead of Week 5
The Minnesota Vikings officially signed veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to their practice squad on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The transaction offers the 33-year-old playmaker a fresh opportunity in the NFL after his release from the New York Giants on September 29, 2026. Minnesota made the move to reinforce the depth of their wide receiver room amid injuries to star targets Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Reunion With Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota
Beckham’s arrival in Minnesota reunites him with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. O’Connell previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams during Beckham’s stint with the franchise in the 2021 season. In eight regular-season games under O’Connell that year, Beckham caught 27 passes for 305 yards and five touchdowns, followed by 21 receptions for 288 yards and two scores during the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI title run. Beckham also shares a personal connection with Vikings star Justin Jefferson, as Jefferson’s older brothers played alongside Beckham at LSU, according to Hypebeast.
Injuries and Roster Pressures Spark the Signing
The signing comes as the undefeated Vikings (4-0) manage injuries to their receiving corps. Justin Jefferson has been dealing with an ankle injury, while Jordan Addison nurses a hamstring injury. Sports Illustrated notes that while Jefferson’s injury is considered day-to-day, the team’s depth behind him has underperformed. Free-agent addition Jauan Jennings has recorded only two catches this year, while second-year wideouts Tai Felton and Myles Price have combined for just three receptions. Beckham chose jersey number 9 and joins a practice squad alongside young receivers Felton and Price.
Uncertainty Surrounding Immediate Playing Time
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has not ruled out elevating Beckham to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, depending on how the veteran progresses in practice. However, Sports Illustrated reports that questions remain regarding whether Beckham can regain his past production. Beckham spent the summer and the first three games of the season with the Giants before his release, recording zero catches and zero targets in New York, following a 2024 campaign with the Miami Dolphins where he tallied nine receptions. Over his 10-season NFL career—which includes stints with the Giants, Browns, Rams, Ravens, and Dolphins—Beckham has accumulated 575 catches, 7,987 receiving yards, and 59 touchdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Odell Beckham Jr. and the Vikings
When did the Minnesota Vikings sign Odell Beckham Jr.?
The Vikings signed Odell Beckham Jr. to their practice squad on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, shortly after his release from the New York Giants on September 29, 2026.
What connection does Odell Beckham Jr. have to the Vikings coaching staff?
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 when Beckham joined the team, a season that ended with a Super Bowl LVI victory.
What are the current injuries affecting the Vikings wide receiver room?
Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been dealing with an ankle injury, and Jordan Addison is managing a hamstring injury, prompting the team to add veteran depth.
What jersey number did Odell Beckham Jr. select in Minnesota?
Upon joining the practice squad of the undefeated Vikings, Beckham chose to wear jersey number 9.
More on Justin Jefferson
Worth a look