Vikings Elevate Odell Beckham Jr. Before Saints Game

The Minnesota Vikings elevated receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Jeshaun Jones from the practice squad before their Week 5 game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in New Orleans. The move came after Minnesota managed receiver injuries involving Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

According to the Vikings, the team also activated center Michael Jurgens and tight end Ben Yurosek from Injured Reserve. Beckham was later listed inactive, while Jefferson returned to action against the Saints.

Beckham joined Minnesota's practice squad during the week after returning to the NFL with limited regular-season involvement. According to team records, he previously played for the Giants, Dolphins and Rams.

"I was with K.O. in LA, and I had a great time while I was there with him, and he's just somebody who I've watched come over here and always knew when he was over there, he was built for what he's doing now, and he had extreme confidence and belief coaching me, and it's always good to be somewhere where you're wanted." Beckham said.

Beckham reunited with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, who coached him with the Rams during their Super Bowl LVI season. Beckham caught the first touchdown of that Super Bowl before suffering an injury.

"Life happens fast, but life in the NFL definitely feels like it happens faster," Beckham said.

Before joining Minnesota, Beckham had returned to New York after playing for Miami in 2024 and not playing in 2025. The receiver had received support from Giants fans during the preseason opener against the Vikings.

"He was like this big at LSU," Beckham said.

Beckham discussed Justin Jefferson's development from his time at LSU and praised the Vikings receiver's potential after watching his career progress.

"Just to watch him live that out, it's pretty amazing," Beckham said.

"It'll be amazing to get to see him up close and personal and also to get to see what he's going to do for the rest of his career, God willing. He's got a chance to be one of the best to ever do it, so it's pretty special to be able to be here with him." Beckham said.

Jefferson was listed questionable with an ankle injury after missing Minnesota's previous game against Miami. According to the Vikings, he had been injured in Week 3 against Tampa Bay.

"I just feel like from Justin and myself, just being able to be free, to be able to run in motion and run routes where you're just smooth, you know what I mean?" Beckham said.

"And I feel like that's been K.O.'s game," Beckham said.

"It was like that when I was in L.A. So I knew as soon as he came here, you had seen all the things Justin had done. I said he's going to go for 1,700, and he might go for 2,000.

And it just allows him to play fast and get open, and that's what he does best." Beckham said.

O'Connell said Beckham could quickly adapt to Minnesota's system because of his previous experience with the coach and staff. Beckham was elevated from the practice squad as a potential option before the final inactive list was announced.

"I've seen him do it before. The good thing about our system is we've got some mechanisms that either he can quickly learn and know those are absolutes if we need to go that route in the game, if he were to be elevated." O'Connell said.

Jefferson ultimately played against New Orleans after recovering from his ankle issue. Before the game, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Jefferson was active while Beckham and Addison were inactive.

"the plan is definitely to play Sunday, but who knows?" Jefferson said.