NFL Insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that New Orleans Saint wide receiver Chris Olave is likely out for the rest of the 2024 after a Week 9 injury in a face-off against the Carolina Panthers.
Given the nature of his injury, the team’s record, and the fact that he’s been seeing specialists, there is a real chance Olave has played his last down in 2024. https://t.co/JdPQI7gsZK
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2024More News: Saints' Chris Olave to See Specialist to Determine NFL Future After Scary Concussion
Olave is now expected to be placed on injured reserve and will miss at least the next four games. The wide receiver, who had already been ruled out for Week 10, has suffered two concussions this season — one in a Week 6 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and another in last week's defeat to the Carolina Panthers.
Following the second concussion, Olave has chosen to consult with specialists to assess the best path forward, as confirmed by Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who said,"He wants to go thoroughly through the process and make sure he's making the best decision for Chris Olave, removing football from that equation ... We're more concerned about Chris Olave the person and making sure everything is okay."
Given Olave's concussion history, the team's current record, and his consultations with medical experts, Rapoport notes there's a real possibility that Olave may have played his final game of 2024.
If Olave will actually be out for the rest of the season, it will be a major blow to the Saints' offense, already reeling from the absence of Rashid Shaheed, who is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing a meniscus repair.
The New Orleans offensive line has been in serious trouble in the 2024 season, as numerous players have been sidelined with injuries in addition to Olave and Shaheed. Currently, wide receiver Bub Means is still on injured reserve, center Erik McCoy remains out of action after groin surgery, and running back Kendre Miller is serving his second stint on injured reserve.
More News: Former Saints WR Michael Thomas Goes Off on Derek Carr After Chris Olave Injury
On the positive side, quarterback Derek Carr, though currently battling an illness, fully participated in practice throughout the week and is set to play in Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
It will remain to be seen whether that will be enough. The Saints fired former head coach Dennis Allen following their seventh straight loss last Sunday against the Panthers. Rizzi has been named the interim head coach. This marks the first midseason coaching change for the Saints since Tom Benson purchased the team in 1985. With Olave likely out, it seems there might just be more trouble brewing for the team.
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