New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave will not suit up for the team’s regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons after doctors discovered a blood clot in his lung, bringing an end to his standout season.
The issue was identified early, and Olave is expected to make a full recovery, according to multiple reports. Nick Underhill first reported the diagnosis, writing, “A blood clot was detected in his lung. Got caught early before anything bad could happen and will be fine. But not playing this week.”
Olave, 25, had been listed on the injury report with an illness after missing practice Wednesday. Sources told ESPN that he has no prior history of blood clots and is expected to recover within about a month, allowing him to take part in the Saints’ offseason program beginning in April.
The former first-round pick later shared a photo from the hospital on Instagram, posting: “Thank you God for everything! Right where I need to be, life is full of unexpected twists & turns & I’m grateful to experience it. Chin up, chest out & keep it pushin. I don’t want ya sympathy just talk to God for me. Bounce back otw!”
Olave’s absence is a blow for New Orleans, which has surged late in the season with four straight wins in December after a 2-10 start. He played a central role in that run, recording receiving yardage totals of 85, 148 and 119 in recent games, and thriving alongside rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Over the past three contests, Olave totaled 352 yards and four touchdowns, with the Saints winning each time.
Despite missing the finale, Olave closes the year with career-best numbers: 100 receptions, 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking among the league’s top receivers in all three categories. It marked his third 1,000-yard season and capped a strong comeback after an injury-plagued 2024 campaign limited by concussions.
Last week, Olave spoke about his determination to stay on the field all season, saying, “I think it’s going to be my first time in my NFL career playing 17,” and emphasizing how much durability meant to him after past setbacks. He has previously acknowledged how close he came to stepping away from football. Reflecting on last season, Olave said, “It was a tough time last year. I was only 24 years old, contemplating retirement, especially with the head injuries, but I prayed about it. My fam, my close fam was around me. They stuck by my side, and I just gave it another try, another chance. And it’s been a great year.”
New Orleans and Atlanta are both eliminated from playoff contention, though Sunday’s game still carries postseason implications for the division. A Saints win would damage the Falcons’ tiebreaker scenarios and impact the NFC South race involving Tampa Bay and Carolina.
Editorial credit: D’Avril Grant / Shutterstock.com