The Los Angeles Rams' ongoing concerns at wide receiver have sparked speculation about a potential reunion with Odell Beckham Jr. following his release from the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday.
Minnesota released the veteran receiver shortly after acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of the NFL's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline.
The Vikings also released guard C.J. Hanson and offensive tackle Corey Robinson II from their practice squad.
The transactions immediately drew attention from reporters covering Los Angeles, which failed to acquire a receiver before Tuesday's deadline despite growing injury concerns surrounding Puka Nacua.
Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News reposted Minnesota's announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, with an eyes emoji.
The Athletic's Nate Atkins responded with a thinking emoji, while Los Angeles Times reporter Gary Klein offered a similarly brief reaction.
“Hmm…”
However, the possibility of an immediate reunion became less likely when NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Beckham would remain with Minnesota.
“OBJ isn’t done: The Vikings are re-signing Odell Beckham Jr. to the practice squad, per source.”
Rams' receiving concerns fuel Odell Beckham Jr. reunion speculation
Los Angeles entered Tuesday's trade deadline searching for additional receiving depth after Nacua suffered PCL and MCL sprains along with turf toe during Sunday's 20-13 victory over the Washington Commanders.
The star receiver could miss at least four games, leaving the Rams without one of their most productive offensive weapons.
Los Angeles was linked to Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs and Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. before the deadline.
However, Downs was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, while Thomas remained with Jacksonville.
The Rams subsequently signed wide receiver Xavier Smith and placed Jordan Whittington on injured reserve, further reshaping their receiving corps.
Beckham previously played an important role in Los Angeles' Super Bowl LVI championship run during the 2021 season. He recorded 27 receptions for 305 yards and five touchdowns across eight regular-season appearances with the Rams.
The veteran added 21 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns during the postseason before suffering a torn ACL in the Super Bowl.
Although Beckham's reported return to Minnesota's practice squad complicates a potential reunion, Los Angeles could still explore adding him if he becomes available.
The Rams (5-4) will attempt to extend their three-game winning streak against the Arizona Cardinals (3-6) on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PT on CBS.