The Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory against the Cincinnati Bengals was a bittersweet moment for Odell Beckham Jr. In the midst of a potential Super Bowl MVP performance, Beckham suffered a non-contact knee injury in the same left knee that he tore during the 2020 season.
The injury occurred with 3:54 remaining in the second quarter. By that time, Beckham had already accumulated two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. Beckham was quickly ruled questionable, and then out, signaling a larger and more serious issue.
Beckham was seen emotional on the sideline throughout the remainder of the game, and now it appears we have some clarity why, as it reportedly is a second torn ACL for him., according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
#Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr is believed to have torn his ACL in last night’s Super Bowl win, source said. That means a long road of recovery for the free agent, who has a challenge to be ready for 2022. Beckham had 2 catches for 52 yards, 1 TD and 1 moonwalk before the injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 14, 2022
This is an extremely unfortunate injury for Beckham, who was finally able to prove himself as an impactful wide receiver after two years of controversy with the Cleveland Browns. He was likely to get a solid payday this summer when he hit free agency.
Instead, he will have his options limited with the prospect of not being able to play a complete 2022 season. Given the standard recovery time for an ACL tear, it’s unlikely he will be ready by Week 1 of next season.
He and the Rams had built a strong rapport during their short stint together. Perhaps the Rams would be willing to bring him back given that they’ll have Cooper Kupp, a healthy Robert Woods, and Van Jefferson to hold down the fort, allowing him the proper amount of time to recover.
It remains to be seen what’s in store for Beckham, but after winning the Super Bowl, it’s clear he’s going to do whatever he can to get back to the NFL’s primetime game.
Stafford will never forget game-winning drive
Without Beckham Jr. on the field, the Rams struggled to move the ball in any significant way. L.A. scored just three points between his injury and their game-winning fourth-quarter drive. On that drive, Stafford and Kupp connected five times for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Stafford spoke about that final drive, saying it’s one he’ll never forget, crediting the Rams receiving core for making plenty of incredible plays.
