Odell Beckham Jr.’s Giants comeback ended after just 19 snaps(Getty Images) Odell Beckham Jr.’s second stint with the New York Giants ended on Tuesday after the veteran receiver played only 19 snaps across three games. Beckham did not record a catch and saw just one target during his return to the team that drafted him in 2014. The Giants then released him, leaving John Harbaugh to explain why the reunion never developed into the offensive role Beckham and the team had hoped for.Beckham had worked his way onto the Giants’ 53-man roster after a difficult summer in which he still had to prove he deserved a place on the team. He responded with a strong finish to the preseason, including seven catches for 76 yards in three games, but his regular-season involvement quickly became limited. Why did Odell Beckham Jr.’s Giants comeback fall apart? Beckham entered the season knowing that his roster place was not guaranteed, and Harbaugh had been clear about what he expected from the 33-year-old receiver. The coach wanted Beckham to show he could still perform at a level that would allow him to contribute during NFL games, and Beckham eventually earned his place after impressing late in camp.His regular-season role, however, never matched that preseason progress. Across the Giants’ first three games, Beckham played 19 offensive snaps and received only one target. His lone target came during New York’s 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 27, when quarterback Jameis Winston looked his way on a pass that nearly resulted in an interception. Beckham finished the game without a reception.The lack of opportunities became particularly noticeable because Giants fans still wanted to see Beckham involved. During the Titans game, supporters at MetLife Stadium began chanting “OBJ” while the offense was on the field, but the veteran receiver remained on the sideline for most of the afternoon. He played only six snaps in that game, according to NFL reporting.There was also a practical roster issue behind the decision. New York needed to move Braxton Berrios onto the active roster after using him as a practice-squad elevation during each of the first three games. NFL rules prevented the Giants from elevating Berrios again, and he offered value as a punt and kickoff returner in addition to his work at receiver. The Giants subsequently added Berrios and Charlie Jones while releasing Beckham.That left Beckham with little room to establish himself in the offense, particularly with Malik Nabers, rookie Malachi Fields and Darnell Mooney receiving almost all of the wide receiver targets through the first three games. Beckham also did not contribute on special teams, which made his limited offensive role harder for the Giants to carry on the 53-man roster. What did John Harbaugh say about Odell Beckham Jr.’s release? Harbaugh addressed the decision on Wednesday, Sept. 30, during his media availability in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and accepted responsibility for the fact that the Giants could not create a bigger role for Beckham.Per ESPN, Harbaugh said, “Had a great conversation with Odell and it's tough. But we just weren't getting enough. It just wasn't working for us. And like I told him, I wanted to be able to get more. I wanted him to be able to do more. I wanted to get him on the field more.”Harbaugh said he wanted Beckham to play more and believed the Giants had failed to make that happen.“Whatever reason, we weren't able to do it. Put it on us. We weren't able to get it done. At this point in time, that's kind of where we were and we needed to move on.”The coach also rejected the idea that Beckham’s name or the attention around his return influenced the decision. Harbaugh said the Giants needed more from the roster spot and described the move as a football decision rather than an issue with Beckham personally. He also said he hoped his former player would find another team and get the opportunity to contribute. Join conversation View All Comments → Share your thoughts in the comments Post Comment Be respectful · TOI community guidelines The release brings an abrupt end to Beckham’s second chapter with the Giants, the team that selected him No. 12 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. His first stint produced 390 catches, 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns in New York, along with three straight Pro Bowl selections to begin his career.The 2026 return carried a very different story. Beckham had missed the entire 2025 season before joining the Giants and had to fight for his place on the roster. He eventually made the team and even became emotional after learning he had made the final cut, saying he saw the opportunity as a chance to rewrite the final part of his career.Instead, the comeback ended after three games, one target and zero catches. Beckham is now a free agent, while the Giants have moved forward with Berrios, Nabers, Fields and Mooney in their receiver group. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.