Odell Beckham Jr. Rumors: Mid-December 'Realistic Time Frame' for WR's Injury Rehab

A "realistic time frame" for the return of free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from a knee injury is reportedly now mid-December.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported the update Wednesday from multiple NFL front-office executives as Beckham continues his recovery from a torn ACL suffered during the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl LVI triumph in February.

OBJ caused a stir on social media Tuesday night with a post some interpreted as a hint he was getting close to choosing his next team:

For now, he remains on the free-agent market, with Jeff Howe of The Athletic reporting last week the three-time Pro Bowler "wants to assess his options" once close to an on-field return so he can ensure he's signing with a Super Bowl contender.

While Beckham was one of the league's top targets at his peak, topping 1,300 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons with the New York Giants, injuries have consistently slowed down his career in recent years.

Here's a look at his injury issues in recent years:

• 2017: Limited to four games because of a fractured ankle
• 2018: Missed final four games with a quad injury
• 2019: Core muscle surgery after the season
• 2020: Torn ACL in Week 7
• 2021: Torn ACL in Super Bowl

So it's hard to know exactly what Beckham will be able to provide in 2022 upon his return from the latest knee injury, which is why it'll probably be important for him to suit up for at least a few regular-season games to assess his possible playoff impact.

The 29-year-old LSU product was terrific for the Rams during last season's playoff run, tallying 21 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns, including a score early in the Super Bowl before exiting the contest.

For a top-tier contender, taking a chance on Beckham is likely a worthwhile venture on the chance he could make one or two game-changing plays in the postseason.

One example is the Buffalo Bills. Linebacker Von Miller, OBJ's teammate with the Rams last season, has stated repeatedly the wideout will be signing with the AFC leaders.

"He's coming here, man," Miller said Sunday. "He's coming to the Bills."

Having Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis and Beckham at the disposal of Josh Allen would be a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.

It sounds like OBJ is going to take his time to make a decision, and it wouldn't be a shock if he ultimately chose a team on which he could make a larger individual impact rather than being the No. 3 option in Buffalo.

Wherever he lands, it sounds like Beckham is on track to make his 2022 debut somewhere around Week 15.