GONE MISSING
Wobbly Beckham skips tests after hit
ARLINGTON, Texas — The NFL could have another concussion controversy on its hands this week.
Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. was able to stay in Sunday night’s game against the Cowboys despite taking a huge hit in the first quarter that appeared to leave him wobbly.
Beckham was leveled by Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox on a throw over the middle with 2:42 left in the first quarter of the Giants’ 2726 loss, held his arms out in disoriented fashion and then stumbled groggily to the Giants’ bench.
Beckham was looked at by Giants trainers and doctors after he tried to wave off their attempt to make him undergo the NFL’s mandatory concussion protocol. They cleared him in surprisingly quick fashion, not even making Beckham go in the locker room for a more indepth look.
And because a potential Beckham fumble was reviewed on replay, which took several minutes, he ended up being able to return to the game right away.
The hit seemed to linger with Beckham, who wasn’t himself at the start of his sophomore season. The 22yearold had only played 12 career games, but had proven to be capable of just about anything, including outdoing last year’s unforgettable onehanded touchdown catch against Dallas, which vaulted him to superstardom.
Beckham, who did not speak with reporters following the game, was limited to just 44 receiving yards.
Despite what all previous evidence suggested, Beckham was not unstoppable.
“I knew that I had to bring my Agame every time I was lined up close to him,” Wilcox said. “I feel solid. I feel real solid. We knew had our hands full, but I feel good about it.”
Beckham, who entered the game tied with Michael Irvin for the alltime record of nine straight games with at least 90 yards, was unable to gain sole possession of the mark, finishing with five catches and his lowest yardage total since last Oct. 19. In last year’s two meetings with Dallas, the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year tortured the Cowboys, recording two touchdowns in his first visit to Texas, while adding another two scores, along with 10 catches and 146 yards in the memorable meeting at MetLife Stadium.
After an offseason of extra attention, Beckham found trouble breaking free against the increased focus on the field, subject to tight coverage and looming safety help.
“They did a good job getting some pressure, keeping everything in front of them,” Eli Manning said. “They weren’t letting us get down the field much.”
After recording one catch for 3 yards in the first half, Beckham had two receptions on the first drive of the second half. Though contained again for another long stretch, Beckham made two key thirddown catches in the final minutes, appearing to help seal a Giants’ win.
Soon, certainty displayed how fickle it can be — even for those expected to steal every show.