The New York Giants’ matchup against the Miami Dolphins presented an important opportunity for players to convince John Harbaugh that they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster. Odell Beckham Jr., one of those competing for a place, dropped a key TD and, although he showed his frustration with the situation, remains confident he can get it done later on.
“I’m pissed,” the wide receiver said, per The New York Post. “This is the one that keeps me up at night. It’s a play I know I can make. I just felt like I was hanging so long. You take it on the chin like a man. The confidence is still there. I know I’ll make that play the next time.”
Braxton Berrios, who had been involved in trade rumors, did not play in this game due to injury, forcing Harbaugh to evaluate alternatives in his place. The head coach himself praised OBJ’s abilities in comments to the media.
“He was in the air a long time,” Harbaugh said. “He got up — way up. I know he would say, ‘I wake up at four in the morning and I’m making that play.’ He knows he can make that play, and it’s a really tough play to make.
“Making it would have just been spectacular. I looked at that play as a positive in his favor. I thought it was impressive where he was at, going to get the ball. I think he’s capable of still making that play.’’
Earning a final spot in the Giants’ receiving corps
Odell Beckham Jr. arrived in East Rutherford with one goal: to put the blue jersey back on next season and play for the New York Giants once again. It won’t be an easy task, as the G-Men boast one of the most competitive receiving rooms in the NFC. Here’s a look at how the depth chart currently stands:
| SWR | RWR | LWR |
| Calvin Austin III | Darius Slayton | Malik Nabers |
| Braxton Berrios | Darnell Mooney | Malachi Fields |
| Dalen Cambre | Jalin Hyatt | Odell Beckham Jr. |
| Xavier Gipson | Ryan Miller | Isaiah Hodgins |
Another test for the Giants
The Giants have played two games so far in the 2026 NFL preseason: a Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, followed by a 26-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in South Florida. Week 3 presents the final opportunity for Harbaugh to make his final decisions.
The New York rivalry game will take place at MetLife Stadium next Friday, August 28. The Jets and Giants will face off in a highly anticipated matchup that will serve as a final tune-up for the players ahead of the start of the regular season.
New York faces a tough start to the season
It’s clear that New York built its team with the goal of finally returning to the upper echelon of the NFL. It won’t be an easy task, as they face a tough start to the season ahead:
- vs Dallas Cowboys, September 13 (Week 1)
- at Los Angeles Rams, September 21 (Week 2)
- vs Tennessee Titans, September 27 (Week 3)
- vs Arizona Cardinals, October 4 (Week 4)
- at Washington Commanders, October 11 (Week 5)
