Problems are piling for the New Orleans Saints! Just when they seemed to get stable for a game only then upsetting news arrives for the team. The struggling Saints are facing yet another challenge of injuries, this time the prey is Chris Olave.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen delivered disappointing news for fans, ruling out wide receiver Chris Olave for Thursday night’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. Olave, who suffered a concussion during Week 6, won’t be available for the crucial game. “Chris is out for Thursday,” Allen confirmed, leaving a big hole in the Saints’ offensive lineup.

Olave’s injury happened during a brutal helmet-to-helmet hit with Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum in the first quarter. The play resulted in a fumble, recovered, and returned for a touchdown by the Buccaneers. Despite the clear helmet contact, no flag was thrown. Olave was slow to get up and was later ruled out with a concussion.

Adding to the Saints’ woes, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed also suffered a meniscus injury in the same game and is set for surgery, which might end his season. “It’s a tough blow,” Allen said. “We’re going to miss both guys.”

Now, the Saints will rely heavily on rookie Bub Means and undrafted Mason Tipton. With Olave and Shaheed sidelined, rookie QB Spencer Rattler will have a tougher task in his second NFL start as the team looks to bounce back from a four-game skid.

Rookie QBs clash as Broncos face Injured Saints in Thursday night showdown

The Broncos and Saints are set to face off in an exciting Thursday Night Football matchup, and while both teams have had their struggles, this game holds plenty of intrigue. Denver (3-3) enters the game as a 2-point favorite, despite coming off a tough 23-16 loss to the Chargers. Rookie QB Bo Nix is still finding his rhythm, but his late-game surge last week gives Broncos fans hope. With 1,082 passing yards, five TDs, and three rushing scores on the season, Nix’s ability to avoid a slow start will be key.

On the Saints’ side, injuries are the big story. Starting QB Derek Carr remains sidelined, meaning rookie Spencer Rattler gets the nod again after a mixed debut. Though Rattler threw for 243 yards and a touchdown last week, his two interceptions in the 51-27 loss to Tampa Bay highlighted the growing pains. Alvin Kamara will have to carry the load, especially with top wideouts Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave out.

Defensively, Denver’s secondary is banged up, with star CB Pat Surtain II in concussion protocol. However, players like Nik Bonitto, who’s riding a four-game sack streak, will be eager to apply pressure.

The game takes place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, with kickoff at 8:15 p.m. EDT, streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Weather-wise, it’s an indoor stadium, so conditions won’t impact play. Fans can expect a battle of young QBs as both teams hover around the .500 mark.