NFL Trade Rumors: New Orleans Saints to Place Wide Receiver Chris Olave on Injured Reserve

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave won't have a quick recovery from his latest concussion. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the third-year pass catcher will be placed on injured reserve later today and should miss at least four games.

#Saints WR Chris Olave, who was ruled out for Sunday and is seeking opinions of experts on his concussion, is expected to be placed on Injured Reserve, sources say.

The move should be official later today. He’s out at least four games. pic.twitter.com/Frw4ppcby2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2024

Olave took a brutal hit early on in the Saints' 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 9. He was placed on a stretcher and carted off the field.

Unfortunately, head injuries are becoming a trend for Olave: It's his second concussion of the season. He suffered the first in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's also his fourth confirmed concussion since entering the league in 2022.

Rapoport notes that Olave is seeking expert opinions on his concussion, which is a good sign for his long-term health but a grave one for his football future.

Olave has been a promising and ascendant young star for the Saints in his short career, averaging 65.8 receiving yards per game over his 39 appearances. At only 24 years old, his best years should almost certainly be ahead of him.

Considering the Saints are already 2-7 and just lost to a truly disastrous Panthers team, they should probably recognize that 2024 is a lost season. Olave should take all the time he needs to carefully consider his NFL future, even if it means missing the final eight games of the regular season. He doesn't need to risk further injury in pointless contests. The Saints and Olave should focus on the future.