Chris Olave may have already played his last snap of the 2024 campaign. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Saints wide receiver is expected to land on injured reserve today. Olave suffered a concussion in Week 9 and was already ruled out for tomorrow’s game against the Falcons. Olave will now be out for at least the next four games.
[RELATED: Saints’ Chris Olave Visiting Concussion Specialists]
As we learned earlier this week, Olave is set to visit specialists as he determines his future in the NFL. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football says the “expectation” is that Olave won’t play again during the 2024 campaign. Rapoport echos that sentiment, citing the nature of the injury, Olave’s impending visits with specialists, and the Saints’ unlikely chances of making the postseason.
This latest concussion marks the second time this season that Olave has dealt with a brain injury, continuing a troubling trend for the wideout. The 2022 first-round pick also dealt with concussions in each of his first two seasons, and this latest occurrence prompted meetings with specialists. When Olave returned to the field in Week 8 following a one-game absence, he was sporting a new helmet, although the player opted against wearing a Guardian Cap.
As Olave navigates his latest concussion, it sounds like the Saints are opting to play it safe with their young star. Following a 2-0 start, the Saints are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, leading to Dennis Allen‘s firing earlier this week. With fellow wideout Rashid Shaheed having already been lost for the season, the Saints receivers room will be down to the likes of veterans Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, plus UDFAs Mason Tipton and Jermaine Jackson.
That sucks. Wish him a speedy recovery.
I know the speed of the game is fast and not fair for us to judge based on hindsight…but man that was the ultimate Hospital Ball example by Carr
Don’t like Brady much but he was correct when he said QBs rely on the rules and defenders not wanting to get 15 yard penalties when they throw balls like that over the middle. 10-15 years ago that ball never gets thrown because the QB knows he’s going to get his WR killed.
That’s exactly it, Ghost. I’m not saying it was a dirty hit or the defender was intentionally trying to hurt Olave, but it was an illegal hit. You don’t anticipate a guy doing that. The games does happen fast, though. But it’s not Carr’s fault. I’m sure if he could see the future, he wouldn’t have went to Olave there.
There is no reason to play this year… not if rest ensures a few more years on the back end
No point in risking it the rest of season. Heal up and get ready for 2025.
I hear Michael Thomas is available.
Really? I thought he was still out with a bad case of “sour grapes” because he is washed and no wants him.