New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave missed nine games in 2024 and played fewer than 10 snaps in two others after suffering two concussions.
The Nov. 3 concussion caused him to miss the final eight games of the season. He returned to the practice field in December but never participated in a game to close the campaign.
“It was tough, man, at first; I ain’t never really sat out that long,” Olave said on Wednesday, via The Associated Press. “That was really my first major injury. … Just not being able to go and practice and go to meetings with my guys was the worst part, but I feel like I’m ready. I was training and lifting and everything in December. So, I feel like I’m good.”
Olave’s first two seasons were sensational, generating 1,000-plus yards in each campaign and proving an elite route runner. However, he’s suffered at least four known concussions in his three seasons — one in 2022 and one in 2023 before last year’s two. He consulted with specialists after the latest head injury.
“They said I was OK back in December when they cleared me. It was just unlucky situations I was being put in,” Olave said. “God’s got me at the end of the day. I’m not worried about nothing. So, just got to go out there 100% and be ready.”