Chris Olave’s 2024 campaign has taken an unfortunate turn.
The New Orleans Saints wide receiver is expected to be placed on injured reserve, which means he’ll be sidelined for at least the next four games, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Saturday.
Already ruled out for the Saints’ Week 10 matchup, Olave’s situation has grown more serious following two concussions this season. The first happened during a Week 6 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the second came in last week’s defeat by the Carolina Panthers. Interim coach Darren Rizzi mentioned this week that Olave is consulting with specialists to decide the best steps for his recovery and long-term health.
Rapoport noted that the combination of Olave’s concussion history, the Saints’ current standing, and ongoing consultations with specialists could mean he might not return at all for the remainder of 2024. It’s a significant concern, especially given that this marks the first season in which Olave has suffered multiple concussions.
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Olave, the standout 2022 first-round pick from Ohio State, burst into the NFL scene with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. However, repeated concussions have hindered his ability to play a full season. This latest injury is his fourth confirmed concussion in his career, underlining the stakes involved in his decision-making process.
The Saints’ cautious approach mirrors that of the Miami Dolphins with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa earlier this season. After suffering a concussion, Tagovailoa spent five weeks on injured reserve, missing four games before returning in Week 8. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, like Rizzi, placed the quarterback’s health above all else, emphasizing the long-term view over immediate game-day availability.
Tagovailoa’s path back included a careful consideration of his own concussion history, though he notably opted not to use a Guardian cap during games upon his return. Olave now faces similar decisions, weighing the risks before even contemplating his next move on the field.
For the Saints, Olave’s absence is another hit to their receiver corps, already impacted by injuries to Rashid Shaheed. The team will rely on Ced Wilson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and rookies Mason Tipton and Jermaine Jackson as they try to navigate the season.
New Orleans is set to host division rival Atlanta this Sunday, with hopes of finding a way to adapt and compete amid the challenges.
