Pat Shurmur: Odell Beckham Jr. will 'absolutely' be part of Giants in 2018

The New York Giants began their voluntary three-day mini-camp on Tuesday, and first-year head coach Pat Shurmur wasted little time in putting to rest one of the hottest rumors surrounding the team this offseason.

Asked if receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will be part of the Giants in 2018, Shurmur’s eyes got wide.

“Absolutely,” he said. “He’s an excellent player. He’s part of our team. He’s a very valued member of our team.”

OBJ is present but limited

Beckham is at the team’s facility, though he isn’t able to fully participate as he continues to rehab from the fractured ankle he suffered last October against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Shurmur said Beckham was part of the team’s walkthrough on Tuesday morning, but wasn’t yet cleared to do the more competitive, top-speed drills.

The coach also said he’s had frequent communication with the 25-year-old, both via phone conversations and text messages, and the two spoke on Monday. Shurmur said he and Beckham are open and honest with one another.

Teammates are happy he’s around

Fellow receiver Sterling Shepard said just having Beckham around the team is a positive thing.

“You can tell the difference around the facility whenever that guy is in the building. You get a happy feeling,” Shepard said. “He’s always making people laugh everywhere you go, so it’s good to have him in the building.”

The third-year wideout doesn’t believe Beckham will have problems getting back to his Pro Bowl self once he’s done rehabbing.

“If you’ve seen the videos of him running around, he looks good to go right now. I think the training room is kind of saving him from himself right now,” Shepard said. “He wants to get out and run around and do a whole bunch of stuff, but they’re kind of holding him back. I’ve been with him and have been training with him a bit and, to be honest, I forget that he got hurt sometimes.”

Beckham’s feats of strength

Heading into his fifth season, Beckham has been shuttling between New Jersey and the West Coast in recent weeks, working out with the team and working out on his own, a system the Giants have given a thumbs-up.

There’s little question he still has plenty of upper body strength. On Monday, Beckham posted a video of himself pulling a GMC truck by a chain while sitting on the ground.

The song “Love Is Poison” by YoungBoy Never Broke Again plays as Beckham slowly pulls the vehicle, its lyrics possibly sending a message to those who want to write him off.

“I gave my all to you
This how you repay me
I put my trust in you
This how you replace it
Your love is poison so no more I can’t take it
Can’t (expletive) with you no more because I ain’t basic
Being loyal bring you pain
Showing love with get you hanged
I won’t let them end my name…”

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