Saints' Chris Olave Placed on IR After 2nd Concussion in 2024; Out at Least 4 Games

After suffering his second documented concussion of the 2024 season in a Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was placed on injured reserve on Saturday.

Olave is now required to miss a minimum of four games.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport indicated there's a "real chance" Olave doesn't play again this year.

Olave was injured midway through the first quarter when he got sandwiched between Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson and safety Xavier Woods on a big hit as they prevented him from making a catch.

Officials flagged Woods for unnecessary roughness. Olave remained on the turf and was taken off the field on a stretcher before being diagnosed with a concussion.

Olave previously missed New Orleans' Week 7 game against the Denver Broncos with a concussion. He has suffered five confirmed head injuries since the start of the 2020 season dating back to when he was at Ohio State.

Three of those head injuries have come in the past 12 months. Olave has missed at least one game in each of his first three seasons with the Saints due to concussions.

With Olave on injured reserve, he will now be out until at least Week 15.

Given that the Saints have lost seven straight games after a 2-0 start and don't look like a playoff contender in the NFC, there's no reason to try rushing Olave back on the field even if he were to pass the NFL's concussion protocol.

Olave was the No. 11 overall pick by New Orleans in the 2022 NFL draft. He recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons. His 400 yards this season leads all Saints players, despite having missed one game already.