Is Chris Olave Injured? Latest on the Saints WR’s Status After Slow Start in Week 15 vs. Panthers

The New Orleans Saints are giving the Panthers a good fight. After taking down the Buccaneers, the Saints are looking to leave their mark on the NFC South divisional race.
The Saints’ offense had one of the best drives of the NFL season, but outside of that, it hasn’t been very pretty for New Orleans. They need to step it up and get Chris Olave involved, who has been quiet in today’s contest.
Chris Olave’s Slow Start
Olave wasn’t effective in the first half of New Orleans’ Week 15 game against Carolina. The offense scored only seven points in the first, and Olave had just one catch for seven yards. He’s not hurt, but he has been held in check by star CB Jaycee Horn and the Panthers’ defense.
The Saints have to get him involved in the second half as they have a chance to steal a win and cause more chaos in the NFC South. It’s going to be a story to watch as the second half unfolds.
Olave is the 41st-ranked wide receiver in PFSN’s WR Impact score with a grade of 75.9. The Saints lack many weapons on the offensive side of the ball, especially with Alvin Kamara out and Rashid Shaheed having been traded to Seattle. Devin Neal has stepped up in the backfield, but he left today’s game with an injury.
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Now, the Saints are relying on Olave to be the veteran presence in the receiver room, but he hasn’t produced. It has been the Devaughn Vele show for New Orleans against Carolina. Horn is giving Olave serious trouble and keeping him in check.
The Saints are trailing by a touchdown entering the fourth quarter, and they are firmly in the game while holding the Buccaneers’ playoff chances in their hands. Although a Saints loss doesn’t eliminate Tampa Bay, it takes the control out of their hands.
Olave didn’t get any love in the third quarter. The Saints’ offense didn’t get going and only added a field goal in the third quarter. The Panthers have New Orleans on the ropes in the fourth and are looking to break the spirits of the Saints with a massive score.
If they don’t punish New Orleans, the Saints have to get their passing game going, especially with their RB Neal out with an injury. It’s Olave time, or it’s hard to imagine any shot for the Saints.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.



