Though he didn't participate in team drills, Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. has resembled his "old self" in the eyes of QB Eli Manning.
Manning and Beckham worked together during individual drills at the Giants' mandatory minicamp, and the veteran quarterback saw the same speed and agility from his favorite target. It was their first connection in between the hashes since his ankle injury in Week 5 last season.
"Odell looked healthy," Manning told reporters during his appearances at an Offense-Defense Football Camp at Kean University on Monday. "He was running routes full speed, making cuts and seemed to be his old self. So I'm excited about that and that he can go out there and run all the routes.
"So, excited to get him back going once training camp hits up. And getting on the same page, there are always new routes and new tweaks to the offense. But I know he's been working hard and is going to have a big year."
Beckham has primarily been working hard in private, but continues to post videos to his social media accounts showing his ankle rehab progression. His latest from UCLA's facilities shows the Beckham fans are used to seeing with razor-sharp cuts in routes and his one-hand catching abilities.
Okay then @OBJ_3 👀 pic.twitter.com/nIQ84DdFGA
- EXOS Sports (@EXOSsports) July 3, 2018
He has also been seen with his teammates out in Los Angeles, with video of WR Sterling Shepard and RB Saquon Barkley along with Beckham performing farmer walks up a steep driveway.
Though these Giants teammates have been working hard this offseason, Manning knows of at least one adjustments they will have to make at camp.
"Yeah, I've seen a couple videos," he said. "Those guys always work. Appreciate the work. Getting ready for the upcoming season. I know they'll have to make some adjustments. We do practice with our shirts on with the Giants. So they'll have to make an adjustment the first few weeks. It may take some time to get used to that. But besides that I know those guys, it's great that they are together. They are challenging each other. They're getting ready for the upcoming season."
This year's training camp will be especially critical for Beckham, as his contract extension still looms over the team. But his health means the most, and Manning knows that his presence on the field is the difference maker the Giants need to turn things around in 2018.
"Obviously he's a tremendous player and can be a game-changer, make big plays in critical moments. Get you key first downs and turn simple plays into touchdowns," Manning said. "We need him healthy with all the other guys."
Beckham's health will be put to the true test on July 25 when training camp officially gets underway.