What to watch for in second preseason game: Will OBJ play?

Odell Beckham Jr. has looked explosive as ever this summer, and he insists he believes his contract situation with the Giants will work itself out.

So will the superstar wide receiver make his preseason debut Friday night against the Lions?

“Coach (Pat Shurmur) and I have a game plan,” Beckham told reporters Thursday in Detroit. “We usually figure it out and we just go from there. So we’ll see what it is for this week, and then worry about next week when it comes.”

Shurmur only offered that he indeed has a plan for Beckham, and it will not be revealed publicly until game time. But the odds are against him playing.

Although the exhibition would serve as a good test for Beckham against All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay, the two have already matched up for three days this week at the Lions’ facility. Beckham was a full participant in joint practices.

So Beckham’s health coming off of ankle surgery is no longer a question, but the team may deem his practice reps sufficient work. The second preseason game last year in Cleveland was where Beckham initially injured his ankle. He did not play in last Thursday’s preseason opener.

“There were some periods where I remember I was going eight plays in a row, or something like that. You kind of build up that wind,” Beckham said. “I’ve been getting pushed a lot at practice. asking for reps just because I need it. I need to feel that. I need to feel eight to ten plays, maybe 15 plays, and just kind of get that back. It’s just very helpful to be able to come out and go against somebody else and compete.”

Here are a few other areas to watch when the Giants suit up at Ford Field.