The New Orleans Saints’ success in 2025 will hinge on the arm of a young and inexperienced quarterback. With the sudden retirement of Derek Carr, rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough and fifth-round pick from last year Spencer Rattler will compete for the starting job this season and possibly beyond. How well the Saints’ QB will perform will depend on the availability of their top receiver.
New Orleans Saints’ WR1 suffered two concussions in 2024
Chris Olave’s 2024 season was marred by two concussions, limiting him to a career-low eight games. His first concussion occurred in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, causing him to miss Week 7. Olave then suffered a season-ending concussion in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers, the fourth documented concussion throughout his first three seasons in the NFL.
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The good news for the standout receiver is that he has fully participated in OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
New Orleans Saints’ top receiver breaks silence on his four concussions
During Wednesday’s press conference, Chris Olave was asked if he had any concerns about his history of concussions. He said doctors cleared him to play back in December and that he has been training and lifting ever since. Olave added that he isn’t concerned about having suffered four concussions in three years.
“It was tough, man, at first; I ain’t never really sat out that long,” Olave said on Wednesday, via Brett Martel of The Associated Press. “That was really my first major injury. … Just not being able to go and practice and go to meetings with my guys was the worst part, but I feel like I’m ready. I was training and lifting and everything in December. So, I feel like I’m good.
“They said I was OK back in December when they cleared me. It was just unlucky situations I was being put in,” Olave said. “God’s got me at the end of the day. I’m not worried about nothing. So, just got to go out there 100% and be ready.”
