Saints must prioritize Chris Olave’s health after significant hits keep piling up

During the New Orleans Saints’ Week 9 game against the Carolina Panthers, a scary scene took place in the first quarter. Saints wide receiver Chris Olave ran across the middle of the field, attempting to catch a high pass, and he was hit by two defenders, before falling to the ground motionless.

The cart was brought out for Olave, and he was placed on a spine board. He was able to move his limbs as he was being carted off, and the team officially ruled him out with a concussion. He was taken to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center for further evaluation.

Chris Olave leaves game against Panthers with concussion

This is Olave’s second concussion this season, with both coming in the last month. In Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Olave was on the receiving end of another brutal hit, and left the game with a concussion. That concussion led to the young receiver missing New Orleans’ Week 7 game against the Denver Broncos.

He returned in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers, but in that game, Olave was on the receiving end of another massive hit. He did take a trip to the blue medical tent on the sideline, and was evaluated for a concussion, but was ultimately allowed to re-enter the game.

Now, a week later, Olave was involved in another collision that resulted in him being carted off the field with another concussion. This is Olave’s fifth concussion in the last five years, dating back to his time at Ohio State.

When head injuries reach this volume for a player, it’s usually time for some serious conversations. The NFL has seen this recently with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Now it’s no one’s place to say Olave needs to retire; that’s a decision only he can make. However, the team does need to think about it’s role in the equation. With six losses coming into Week 9, this is essentially a lost season for the Saints.

New Orleans undoubtedly needs Olave if they want to remain competitive, but the team has to ask itself if it’s worth rushing Olave back on the field for what many would consider pointless games. The Saints could place the young receiver on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four weeks.

In the week of practice leading up to Sunday’s game, Olave practiced with a Guardian Cap. He ultimately decided not to play with it, but after suffering his second concussion in four weeks, that has to be something he and the team considers as they figure out the best way to prioritize his health.

READ MORE