NFL teams are required to wear Guardian caps on their helmets at practice, and players have the option to wear it during live game action, but only a few around the league have chosen to do so: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Josh Whyle, James Daniels, Jabrill Peppers, Kylen Gransen, Rodney Thomas II, De’Von Achane, and Luke Goedeke, among others.
It appears Chris Olave may be on the way to being the first New Orleans Saints to select that option. ESPN’s Katherine Terrell made an interesting observation at Wednesday’s practice. Olave was the only player whose Guardian cap had a fleur-de-lis on it. Most of the protective headwear is blank, so the external team logo may suggest it could be worn in-game.
Whether or not he goes through with it, wearing a Guardian cap could be a good idea for Olave. He has a history of concussions that dates back to college. In the pros, he’s suffered one concussion in each season. The wide receiver just returned from a concussion last week, and took a big hit in the first game that led to him heading to the blue tent in his first game back.
Three concussions in three years is serious and wearing the Guardian cap adds at least one extra preventative measure for Olave. Any more concussions, and we’ll start having some uncomfortable conversations about Olave’s future.
