Let’s start with the good news: wide receiver Chris Olave was upgraded to full reps at New Orleans Saints practice on Friday, suggesting he’s on his way to clearing concussion protocol in time to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
But he hasn’t been cleared just yet, per Saints head coach Dennis Allen. Olave is still in concussion protocol and is officially listed as questionable on the Week 13 injury report. He’ll have an opportunity to clear more hurdles and turn in a clean evaluation in time to compete on Sunday.
The Saints are already down two of their leading receivers with Michael Thomas on injured reserve and Rashid Shaheed sidelined by a thigh issue, so having Olave in the lineup would be critically important. Olave leads the team with 63 receptions and 771 receiving yards; he and Shaheed are tied with 3 touchdown catches. We’ll see if he’s able to play.
