New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave left Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers on a backboard after a violent hit during the first quarter.
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Saints confirm Olave suffered a concussion
The collision, which marks Olave’s second concussion this season, saw him taken to a nearby hospital.
The Saints later confirmed Olave had movement in all extremities, offering some relief amid an otherwise alarming scene at Bank of America Stadium.
The incident unfolded when Saints quarterback Derek Carr threw a high pass to Olave over the middle of the field.
As Olave attempted to catch the ball, Panthers safety Xavier Woods delivered a hit to his head and neck area, sending Olave to the ground.
The impact left him motionless for several moments as officials threw multiple flags for unnecessary roughness on Woods.
Medical staff immediately attended to Olave, strapping him onto a backboard as teammates, coaches, and even Panthers players gathered around in support.
Olave gave his teammates a reassuring sign, lifting his hands for high fives as he was taken off the field.
The injury marks the third consecutive game where he has endured a significant hit to his head or neck area.
Olave now enters the NFL’s concussion protocol for the fourth time in his three-year career, an unfortunate milestone that raises concerns about his long-term health.
Michael Thomas lashes out against Derek Carr
Olave’s history with concussions includes two missed games, one during his rookie season in 2022 after a collision in Week 5 and another in Week 7 this season following a hit in the Saints’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His recent helmet change – opting for a model he felt offered more protection – was designed to mitigate the impact of such hits, though he had chosen not to wear the additional Guardian Cap protection.
Criticism of Carr’s throw quickly emerged on social media, led by former Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas.
Thomas took to his platform to openly criticize Carr, sharing that he has been vocal about his concerns for some time.
“Derek Carr for you I been told yall shit sad,” Thomas posted.
“Dude scary and panic and just throw the ball. Get him the f out of here he so ass.”
Olave’s brother, Josh Olave, appeared to endorse Thomas’s criticisms, amplifying Thomas’s posts on social media.
While Olave’s family and fans hope for a swift recovery, his injury and Thomas’s outspoken comments are sure to stir conversation both within and outside the Saints organization.
