John Harbaugh explains Odell Beckham Jr. release: 'It just wasn't working for us'

The New York Giants released veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. this week, ending his second stint with the franchise after just three games, according to CBS Sports. Beckham made the team's final 53-man roster in August but played only 20 offensive snaps across the three games and did not record a single catch, CBS Sports reported.

Giants coach John Harbaugh said the team could not create a workable role for Beckham despite trying. "We just weren't getting enough, you know? It just wasn't working for us," Harbaugh said, according to SNY, as reported by CBS Sports.

In New York's 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans, Beckham played just six snaps and saw one target, and he did not contribute on special teams, Yahoo Sports reported. Fans at MetLife Stadium still broke into "OBJ" chants during the game, according to CBS Sports.

Harbaugh's explanation came just days after he had suggested Beckham might get more chances in the passing game. Asked what had changed, Harbaugh said, "So nothing changed. I did hope he would get more chances. And he didn't," according to CBS Sports. He added that the release reflected roster needs rather than any fault of Beckham's: "Nothing about Odell. Nothing that he could do, in that sense."

Yahoo Sports reported that on September 25, Harbaugh had publicly backed using Beckham more against Tennessee, saying, "I would think Sunday would be great. I would be all for it for Sunday." Harbaugh took responsibility for how things turned out instead, telling reporters, "Put it on us. We weren't able to get it done," per CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports.

Harbaugh, who previously coached Beckham in Baltimore, said their personal relationship was unaffected by the move. "I hope he lands somewhere. He's a great friend. I love the guy," Harbaugh said, according to Yahoo Sports.

Yahoo Sports reported that the Giants have promoted Braxton Berrios and Charlie Jones from the practice squad, with Berrios also able to handle return duties. The team moves forward with Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields and the newly added receivers, per Yahoo Sports, while Beckham looks for his next opportunity in the NFL.