Another day comes with another Odell Beckham excused absence.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Thursday morning that OBJ would be excused from practice, per a source informed of the decision.
Beckham was similarly excused from practice Wednesday following a social media push on Tuesday to get the wideout out of Cleveland. Beckham's father shared a video showing Beckham open on routes but quarterback Baker Mayfield not throwing his direction. LeBron James, a Nike athlete like Beckham, also tweeted #FreeOBJ.
The Browns didn't trade Beckham ahead of the deadline. So now the sides are trying to figure out the next steps while the receiver stays away from the team.
For what it's worth, Beckham's teammates who spoke to the media Thursday indicated a preference that OBJ stays in Cleveland.
"If we wants to come back and be part of the team, I'm sure we'd welcome him with open arms," guard Joel Bitonio said.
Safety John Johnson: "I feel like the majority of this locker room would love to have him in this building. Flat out."
One unnamed player, however, relayed this message to Garafolo: "He does nothing. He talks to no one. He's just got a malcontent attitude."
As each day passes with the Browns telling OBJ to stay home, the likelier it becomes that the club will eventually release the wideout, cutting their losses. As all players are after the trade deadline, Beckham would be subject to waivers if released. Any team that puts in a claim and is awarded the wideout would take on the rest of OBJ's contract.
