The Cleveland Browns have once again excused wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from practice on Thursday as problems continue to linger between the two parties. Beckham was excused from Wednesday’s practice with head coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Baker Mayfield addressing his absence.
The two sides seem to be hurtling toward divorce with the team having a few options. It will be interesting to see if NFLPA president and Browns starting center J.C. Tretter somehow ends up involved in the process of separating Beckham from the team.
For now, the team is trying to focus on the players that are in the locker room and getting ready to travel down to Cincinnati for a vital AFC North showdown. Sitting at 4 – 4, Cleveland can ill afford to continue losing to quality opponents and still expect to make the playoffs.
Given his excused absence on Thursday, it is highly unlikely Beckham is active and on the field Sunday. Depending on the results of the game, many will judge the team’s decision differently. A win, addition by subtraction. A loss, the team needs to put aside their differences and make it work. Some will not be swayed by the results but many will be.
For now, Beckham remains away from the team with no deadline or end in sight.