Browns Must Shut Down Odell Beckham Jr. for Rest of Season With Hernia Injury
By Michael Luciano
The Cleveland Browns have a serious problem on their hands. Their best wide receiver is injured and has all but openly said he does not want to play for them anymore.
Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr., acquired via trade from the New York Giants in the offseason, has struggled through a disappointing first year in Ohio in part due to a hernia.
#Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr is playing through a painful sports hernia that will need surgery after the season, sources say. Every day has been a battle. My story: https://t.co/vJfB9FmP8e
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2019
Beckham has just two touchdowns on the season, and is averaging career-worst marks in catches-per-game and yards-per-game. His two-catch, 39-yard performance in a narrow win against the Cincinnati Bengals and their lackluster defense stands out as one of the worst games he has ever played across his entire career.
With Beckham rendered less explosive due to his injury and his apparent desire to get himself booted out of Cleveland, risking Beckham to play when the playoffs are all but a pipe dream doesn't help the Browns at all.
OBJ wants out of Cleveland?
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 8, 2019
Odell Beckham Jr. has reportedly told opposing players and coaches before and during games this year, “Come get me” ?
(via @JayGlazer) pic.twitter.com/BfDViYns9g
All roads are pointing to Beckham's stint in Cleveland coming to a close as the Browns drift towards another season without the playoffs. Don't risk injury by continuing to play him, just accept that a trade is inevitable, rip the Band-Aid off, and keep trying to build around Baker Mayfield.