CLEVELAND: Browns star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has surgery scheduled to repair a torn knee ligament that ended his second season with Cleveland.
Andrew Berry, the team’s general manager and executive vice president, said Wednesday that Beckham, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament early in an Oct. 25 game at Cincinnati, will have the procedure early next week.
Beckham’s loss is a major blow to the Browns (5-3), who are on their bye this week before hosting Houston on Nov. 15.
Beckham got hurt while trying to make a tackle after a pass from Baker Mayfield intended for him was underthrown and intercepted. The three-time Pro Bowler’s foot got caught in the turf and his knee bent awkwardly as he tried to make a tackle.
It’s the latest injury for Beckham, who has missed 25 games over the past four seasons for a variety of medical issues.
Beckham was playing well in his second season with Cleveland, which acquired him in a trade from the New York Giants in March 2019.
There has always been speculation some of it driven by Beckham’s behavior about his long-term future with the Browns. However, Berry said the team is happy with Beckham and stands by previous comments that he feels the 27-year-old fits with Cleveland.
Odell is one of the best receivers in the NFL, he said. He played really good football for us before he was injured. Hes done a fantastic job with his teammates at practice, hes embraced the organization, hes under contract for multiple years.
So our focus with Odell is making sure he recovers from the ACL tear. We want him to be healthy and ready to go next year. But were pleased with him.
Beckham, who turns 28 on Thursday, is under contract through 2023. He’s scheduled to make $13.75 million in 2021, and more than $12 million is guaranteed if he’s on the roster in March.
Beckham finished with 23 catches for 319 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a 50-yard rushing TD.
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