Saints' Chris Olave was hospitalized with a concussion

Chris Olave has already missed a game this season due to a concussion and now faces the same injury. The Saints' third-year wideout endured a lot in Sunday's contest against the Panthers.

Olave was targeted by an incomplete pass over the middle and was hit hard from a safe position Xavier Woods. Olave was eventually placed on a backboard and carted off the pitch before quickly exiting due to another concussion. The 24-year-old has since been taken to a local hospital and the CBS broadcast notes that he is alert and has strong vital signs (h/t team reporter Erin Summers).

During his rookie season, the 2022 No. 11 pick suffered a concussion; That's why he missed time last year. In Week 6 of the current season, Olave suffered another concussion and was left out of the starting lineup for the following contest. Now his time out due to brain injuries will continue, with an absence in Week 10 also likely.

Olave had a strong performance in his debut season, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards and averaging 14.5 yards per reception. Last season, the Ohio State product took a step forward with a stat line of 87-1,123-5. That led to high expectations for 2024, and Olave was New Orleans' top receiver when healthy. Since then, its availability will be crucial for the future Rashid Shaheed is out for the year, an injury that led to the recent signing of Marquez Valdes Scantling.

When Olave returned from his first concussion in 2024, he said he thought about wearing a Guardian cap, but ultimately didn't. It will be interesting to see if that approach changes once he gets back on the field. In any case, the 2-6 Saints will welcome his return in their attempt to return to postseason contention.