Odell Beckham Jr. won’t play vs. Cowboys on ‘Sunday Night Football’

A preseason ankle injury made the All-Pro wideout a game-time decision for the Giants’ opener.

Odell Beckham Jr.’s ankle injury wasn’t as serious as it initially looked, but he’s not ready to play yet, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. After a full week of speculation and a last-minute decision from Beckham and his trainers, the All-Pro wide receiver has been ruled out for the New York Giants’ Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

He is expected to return in time for Week 2, though, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Beckham was injured when he took a helmet to the left knee in the Giants’ 10-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns in the second preseason game. The hit was ugly, but it was legal.

Beckham’s injury initially looked serious, but the team announced it was just an ankle sprain. "I don't know, it's just football I guess, preseason," Beckham said, via CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin. "I'm not really the judge. It's just football in my opinion."

Beckham also said that he’ll “shake it off” and “play football.” But he sat out the rest of preseason and missed the entire week of practice before Week 1.

Despite being sidelined for practice, Beckham was ruled questionable to play Sunday and was considered to be a game-time decision.

The injury sparked discussion among fans and NFL players alike about the preseason and the risks it carries. Beckham avoided the worst-case scenario, but he’s still working his way back from an unnecessary injury that didn’t need to happen. He’ll have an extra day to heal up with the Giants playing on Monday night next week.