After a surge in trade rumors, Odell Beckham Jr. is only going to the IR.
The Cleveland Browns fought their way to a victory Sunday over the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, they’ll be fighting to keep their offense alive for the remainder of 2020.
According to Kim Jones of NFL Network, Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. suffered a torn ACL during the team’s 37-34 victory and will miss the remainder of the season. The news was later confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Beckham, 27, was injured on the team’s opening offensive drive when Baker Mayfield threw a costly interception in the star’s direction. Hoping to make a tackle, he suffered worse than a low blow, needing help from the trainer’s staff to leave for the locker room. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated after the game that Beckham would undergo an MRI Monday.
For the season. Beckham will finish with 23 catches for 319 yards and four total touchdowns. The Browns also confirmed Beckham’s status Monday morning, cementing his numbers for the year.
Beckham has been the subject of trade rumors since his arrival in Cleveland back in 2019. Never finding a rhythm or connection with Mayfield, the production hasn’t been up to the par many around the league expected. With the trade deadline looming, Beckham could have been a hot commodity for pass-happy teams looking to add receivers.
Could the Browns now be in the market for a receiver?
Cleveland’s offense was already playing short-handed without the stars in the works. Running back Nick Chubb has been on the injured reserve list since suffering an MCL injury to his right knee earlier this month. Jarvis Landry also has been highly ineffective since he announced that he suffered a broken rib in the victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
Instead of trading the three-time Pro Bowler, Andrew Berry might now be looking to add another weapon on offense. On Sunday, Mayfield outshined his opening 0-of-5 status by finishing with a positive stat line of 22-of-28 for 297 yards with five touchdowns.
The 5-2 Browns are still right in the hunt for a postseason berth despite playing in the vigorous AFC North.