Preston Parker happy to yield playing time to Odell Beckham Jr.

The Giants are happy to see Odell Beckham Jr. on the verge of making his debut on Sunday. Even the player who has the least reason to be.

Preston Parker, the wide receiver and punt returner for the Giants who might not have even made the roster had Beckham been healthy during training camp, said he can't wait to welcome the first-round pick to the field . . . even if it will cut into his snaps.

"I'm ready to see him play," Parker told Newsday on Thursday. "This is a team. That never mattered to me, playing time. As long as I'm on the team, that's what's important."

Parker, who has returned punts all season and moved up on the receiving depth chart when Jerrel Jernigan was injured, said he knew what Beckham was going through in the first four weeks of the season. Parker was out of football last season.

"I know he's happy to be back," he said. "I know he's ready to play, that's why I'm happy for him. I'm ready to see him run fast, make some people miss, and get in the end zone. He's been out for a long time. I know how it is to be out and watch everybody play on Sundays."

Special teams coach Tom Quinn made it sound as if Parker would still handle the punt- return responsibilities, given Beckham's lack of actual experience in that crucial aspect of the game at the NFL level.

Parker wouldn't speculate on whether he would have made the Giants roster had Beckham been healthy and played at the start of the season.

"Only God knows that," he said. "I know I worked hard. I don't know. I can't predict a past that didn't happen. But I'm here today."

Parker also said he never once wished Beckham's return would be slowed so he could get more playing time.

"I've got a good heart," he said. "Anyone who knows me will tell you, 'He's too nice.' And that gets me in trouble sometimes."

This time, it will just get him fewer opportunities in the passing game.