Beckham issues 'no comment' when asked about status for Giants OTAs

Justified or not, Odell Beckham Jr.'s absence has been the story of the week as the New York Giants kick off OTAs.

It may not be going anywhere anytime soon, either.

Reached for comment in Los Angeles by Kimberly Jones of NFL Network, the star wide receiver stressed that he loves his team and is "excited about the season" ahead.

As for whether he'll show up at any of the upcoming OTAs, he elected to keep the football world guessing.

"No comment," Beckham said Thursday.

This stage of the offseason program is voluntary, so it's important to remember that Beckham and any other veterans are well within their rights to take a pass. Players can't be punished for sitting out, and they can undoubtedly make up for lost time when they eventually return.

Beckham later told Jones that he would "for sure" be attending the mandatory minicamp that starts June 13.

Even so, a player of Beckham's stature choosing to stay away and remain non-committal about future voluntary workouts still presents a particularly noteworthy situation - especially considering the recent reports that he was expected to make his way to the team facilities Thursday.

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Whether it's about angling for his inevitable long-term deal, finishing up a separate offseason workout program, or simply getting some additional rest before a long year ahead, Beckham's absence will become an increasingly major story for as long as it continues.

The former first-round pick, who earned Pro Bowl appearances after each of his first three seasons, is without question the key piece in a potentially high-powered Giants passing game. New York will presumably be holding out hope that he shows up for workouts sooner rather than later, joining the offense in setting out to take the next step in 2017.