Chris Olave injury: Saints WR carted off after scary hit vs. Panthers

New Orleans Saints (2-6) receiver Chris Olave was carted off the field after taking a hit to the head in Sunday’s Week 9 road contest against the Carolina Panthers (1-7).

Panthers safety Xavier Woods made direct contact with Olave’s helmet on a throw over the middle of the field in the first quarter. Olave was motionless on the ground as medical personnel tended to him. Players and coaches from both teams surrounded Olave as he was loaded onto a stretcher and carted off the field. Woods received a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.

Chris Olave takes a nasty shot. Hope he's ok pic.twitter.com/LjFbFIxzpx

— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) November 3, 2024

The Saints immediately ruled Olave out for the remainder of the game with a concussion. He has movement in all his extremities and is being further evaluated at the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center.

Olave, 24, suffered a concussion in the Week 6 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4). He did not play in New Orleans’ next game against the Denver Broncos (5-3) on Thursday Night Football. Olave returned last Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers (4-3), hauling in eight receptions for 107 yards. At one point during the game, he took a shoulder to his helmet area and came out to be evaluated for a concussion. He returned to play in the rest of the game.

Chris Olave suffers second concussion in 2024 season

Olave said Thursday he was considering wearing a Guardian Cap moving forward.

“I’m still considering it. I was considering last game, ended up going with the regular helmet,” Olave said.

Olave wore the Guardian Cap at Wednesday’s practice, which NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said reduces concussions by 52%. He was not wearing it against Carolina.

He came into the game the Saints’ leading receiver with 31 receptions for 387 yards and a score in seven games.