New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave doesn’t seem to keep himself out of concussion injuries this season. Having suffered one against the Bucs in week 6, Olave already missed a clash for concussion. Coming into this game, Olave also sustained a heavy hit against the Chargers. That led to him going through neurological tests before getting cleared for the Panthers clash.
However, it looks like concussion has yet again hit him hard this week. Waiting for his second catch of the day in the middle, Olave found himself sandwiched between Xavier Woods and Dane Jackson. But replays showed that Woods’ shoulder collided with Olave’s head, thereby leaving him motionless on the pitch. While players and coaches of both teams gathered around Olave, the Bank of America maintained silence for a moment.
WR Chris Olave has been discharged from the hospital and will return to New Orleans with the team later this evening. @Saints https://t.co/M3mfHi7D4B
— New Orleans Saints PR (@SaintsPR) November 3, 2024
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Due to his head injury, the medical staff quickly sent Olave to Carolinas Medical Center. As he found himself ruled out of the clash, the Saints waited for an update on their WR. And after a few minutes of tensed heads all over the stadium, the Saints updated that Olave had been discharged from the hospital. And would soon meet with his team in the evening while going back to New Orleans together.
Although Woods was immediately penalized for unnecessary roughness, this was Olave’s fourth concussion protocol in his NFL career. Coming into this clash, Olave also thought about wearing a guardian cap to protect his head from further concussions. “I just felt like I had changed my helmet to the best helmet, so the hit I took in the game, it didn’t really hurt as much as it did with the other helmet. Once I switched helmets. I felt like I’d be good without the Guardian Cap.”
But it doesn’t look like that helmet has worked this week. As Olave found himself concussed yet again with his brother questioning his career in the NFL.
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Amid Chris Olave’s repeated concussions, his brother Josh Olave offers update
In his brief 3-year career in the NFL, this was Chris Olave’s fourth concussion. So, questions are bound to rise over his repeated head injuries in the league. After he was discharged from the hospital, his brother Josh Olave gave an update on his health status, “Bro just called, he’s up and active.” Although that might have put a lid on his health concerns for now, Josh was quick to question his continued battle with concussions.’
When one of the fans commented on his post updating about the Saints WR health status, “Might be time to have that “Is it worth it?” talk.” Josh Olave came with a not-so-surprising reply, “Ain’t worth it in NOLA, I’ll tell you that.” Well, that’s an understandable reaction from his point of view. None of the players are supposed to put their health at risk in the NFL. Even though this game comes with its fair share of physicality, giving your health priority should always be on the minds of players.
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Although Chris Olave may be out of danger for now, is this his last concussion injury? Well, we don’t know that, but Olave should take some precautionary measures in order to not find himself in such situations again in his career.
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