How Odell Beckham Jr., Giants Depth Chart Are Impacted by Austin Injury Ahead of Roster Cut Deadline

The New York Giants' receiving corps took a hit after Calvin Austin III suffered an injury in practice on Tuesday.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Austin was carted off the field after a "serious" knee injury.

With the 27-year-old likely set to miss time, the Giants will look further down their depth chart as they attempt to make up for his impact.

This could be beneficial for Odell Beckham Jr.'s chances of making the team, as the veteran is looking to stay in New York beyond Sunday's deadline to trim rosters down to 53 players.

Paul Schwartz of the New York Post also noted that Austin's injury "opens the door" for Beckham to secure a roster spot.

Although Beckham didn't play for any team during the 2025 season, he returned to the squad that he started his career with on a minimum contract in June.

The 33-year-old has been on the Giants' roster bubble throughout training camp, with Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic predicting that he wouldn't make the team on Monday.

While Beckham has occasionally worked with New York's first-team offense, he's spent the majority of camp as a reserve option. Still, he's made several impressive plays in practice.

During his first preseason appearance this year, he caught two passes for six yards. In Beckham's second preseason contest, he hauled in two receptions for 17 yards.

Giants head coach John Harbaugh was particularly impressed with his latest performance.

"I thought he looked pretty good," Harbaugh said, per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. "He made a couple catches. There were some things he could have done better. But he looked solid, I would say. I love Odell. What he's doing, what he's fighting for, I don't know how it's gonna turn out … But to see his fight, his determination, his humility … [I'm] really proud of him."

Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton are New York's established starters at wide receiver, while Malachi Fields was selected with a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The Giants also brought in Darnell Mooney on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million in March.

Braxton Berrios, Dalen Cambre, Xavier Gipson, Isaiah Hodgins and Jalin Hyatt are among the players competing with Beckham for New York's backup receiver spots.

Sunday's cut-down deadline is at 6 p.m. ET.