This was the development we expected, but that doesn’t make it any less tough to reckon with. The New Orleans Saints are expected to place wide receiver Chris Olave on injured reserve Saturday, per multiple reports — NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill first reported the news, which was confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
It’s a tough blow to a Saints receiving corps that’s already undermanned with the loss of Rashid Shaheed to season-ending knee surgery. There’s a possibility Olave’s year could be finished, too. He’s suffered two concussions this season and four in his NFL career. That many brain injuries in so short a time may carry serious long-term health ramifications for him.
So keep an eye out. Veteran backup Cedrick Wilson Jr. has been dealing with an injury, too, so the only healthy wideouts on the Saints’ 53-man roster this weekend are Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mason Tipton, and Jermaine Jackson. Expect at least one of Equanimeous St. Brown, Dante Pettis, and Kevin Austin Jr. to be promoted from the practice squad soon.