Chris Olave carted off on backboard after illegal hit to head
May 14, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) during rookie camp at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was carted off the field after he took a brutal shot from multiple defenders in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
Olave was the intended target on a pass from Derek Carr that sailed high midway through the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The receiver was sandwiched between two defenders, with Panthers cornerback Xavier Woods hitting Olave in the head area. Four flags were thrown and Woods was called for unnecessary roughness.
Chris Olave takes a nasty shot. Hope he's ok pic.twitter.com/LjFbFIxzpx
— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) November 3, 2024
Olave laid motionless on the turf for several seconds after the hit. He was eventually stabilized with a backboard and carted off the field. He was moving his limbs and high-fived a couple of players on his way off:
Chris Olave shook hands with a few teammates before being carted off. pic.twitter.com/bDhz99KGzJ
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) November 3, 2024
The Saints quickly announced that Olave had suffered a concussion and would not return.
Olave also suffered a concussion in Week 6 and missed the following game. He has had at least three concussions during his NFL career.
Olave has 31 catches for 387 yards and a touchdown this season. The Saints got Derek Carr back from an oblique injury on Sunday, so they were hoping their offense would get back on track. They will now be without their best receiver for an undetermined amount of time.