Chris Olave injury: Saints WR being evaluated for concussion

New Orleans Saints (2-3) receiver Chris Olave exited the first quarter of Sunday’s Week 6 home contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2).

Olave has been ruled out for the remainder of the game with a concussion, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Olave, 24, took a helmet to helmet hit from Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum after hauling in a five-yard pass on the Saints’ opening drive of the game. Rookie safety Tykee Smith knocked the ball out during the play and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. scooped it up and took it back the other way for a 58-yard score.

Olave entered the game having hauled in 22 receptions for 275 yards and one touchdown. The former Ohio State standout has tallied back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to begin his NFL career, and his absence is a big one New Orleans’ offense, already ravaged by injuries.

Saints without Chris Olave, key offensive starters against Buccaneers

Quarterback Derek Carr is sidelined with an oblique injury, while tight end Taysom Hill is out with a rib issue. 2024 fifth round pick Spencer Rattler is making his NFL debut against Tampa Bay in Carr’s absence.

While facing a Tampa Bay defense which is healthy for the first time this season is no easy task, Rattler was excited to get his first taste of NFL action.

“It was exciting,” Rattler said this week of being named the starter, via the team’s website. “They have confidence in me, but I love our group. We’ve got so many talented dudes that I can lean on. And I don’t have to do too much, just facilitate the ball to them.

“I spoke to [offensive coordinator] Klint [Kubiak] about it. Klint said, hey, let’s have a great week, let’s prepare at a high level, put a great plan together. It was brief and short, and we got to work, so that was good.”