Chris Olave’s Blood Clot Diagnosis Leaves Saints Reeling Ahead of Falcons Showdown
The New Orleans Saints will have to adjust their game plan as they prepare for their crucial Week 18 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, following a concerning health revelation regarding wide receiver Chris Olave. According to reports, Olave has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung, which has ruled him out for the season finale. Fortunately, the issue was detected early, averting potentially serious complications.
Olave’s Impact on the Saints’ Offense
This season, Olave has been a standout performer for the Saints, contributing significantly to their recent success. The team enters this final game riding a four-game winning streak, with Olave playing a pivotal role in their offensive resurgence. He has posted career-high numbers, including 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns, all while managing a back injury over the past month.
During this period, he has added 27 catches, 382 receiving yards, and four touchdowns to his impressive tally. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged Olave’s talent, stating, “He’s very talented, very skilled, has been since he came into the National Football League. He has all the movement, all the hands, all the ball skills. Everything you want from your No. 1 receiver, and he’s done great this season.”
Saints’ Struggles Without Their Star Receiver
With Olave sidelined, the Saints face a significant challenge. Currently, they lack a wide receiver on their roster who has surpassed 300 receiving yards this season, or who can match his nine receiving touchdowns. Tight end Juwan Johnson stands as the next most targeted player, boasting 74 catches for 828 yards and three touchdowns.
The team’s depth has been further tested by injuries and trades. Devaughn Vele has landed on injured reserve, Rashid Shaheed was traded to the Seahawks, and running back Alvin Kamara has been dealing with his own injury woes. Additionally, Brandon Cooks was released in November, leaving Kevin Austin Jr. as the leading wideout with a modest tally of nine catches for 103 yards and a touchdown, all coming in the last three games.
Injury Concerns Looming for the Saints
As the Saints prepare for their showdown against the Falcons, they are grappling with a lengthy injury report. Key players, including Olave, Kamara, and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, are among those listed. Mike Triplett reported on the extensive list of absentees during practice, highlighting concerns that could hinder the Saints’ efforts.
Game Day Expectations
Kickoff for the highly anticipated clash between the Saints and Falcons is set for Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. As both teams conclude their seasons, the absence of Olave adds an extra layer of complexity to an already critical game for New Orleans. The Saints will need to rally and find a way to compensate for the loss of their star receiver in what promises to be an intense rivalry match.
