New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chis Olave took a violent hit against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and was carted off the field after being stabilized on a backboard.
He was then ruled out with a concussion and transported to a hospital in Charlotte for further evaluation. Olave also suffered a concussion in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which sidelined him in Week 7. He returned to action last week.
The hit took place midway through the first quarter. Saints quarterback Derek Carr targeted Olave on a pass over the middle of the field. Panthers defenders Xavier Woods and Mike Jackson were in coverage and sandwiched Olave with simultaneous hits as the overthrown ball sailed out of Olave’s reach.
Woods hit Olave high from Olave’s blind side. Olave fell to the turf and immediately went limp. Multiple flags were thrown.
Olave remained down on the field for several moments as medial staff tended to him. Players from both teams surrounded Olave as a hush went over Bank of America Stadium.
Andy Dalton, Lonnie Johnson and Shy Tuttle were side by side near Olave. Mike Jackson, who was part of the collision, is down on a knee praying.
Olave receives an ovation as he’s placed on a cart. He is interacting with teammates. He’s on a backboard. pic.twitter.com/JhMMs8lCQT
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) November 3, 2024
Olave was eventually placed on a cart and driven off the field. He showed movement in his arms and feet as he was taken off the field and was transported to a hospital shortly thereafter.
Woods was penalized for unnecessary roughness for the hit.
Olave said on Thursday that he was considering wearing a guardian cap over his helmet during Sunday’s game to help protect his head in his return from his previous concussion. He opted not to wear one for the game.
Olave’s brother Josh Olave tweeted later that Chris had called him and that he was “up and active.”
Bro just called, he’s up and active🙏🏾
— Josh Olave (@josh_olave) November 3, 2024
Josh Olave, Michael Thomas critical of Derek Carr
Josh had been active on social media after his brother was injured and endorsed criticism of Carr from ex-Saints receiver Michael Thomas.
Thomas made multiple posts criticizing Carr and placing blame on the Saints quarterback for his throw on the play that resulted in Olave’s injury.
Derek Carr for you I been told yall shit sad 😢🖕
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) November 3, 2024
Dude scary and panic and just throw the ball. Get him the f out of here he so ass.
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) November 3, 2024
They fired all them coaches trying to cover his flaws up he still doing the same shit.
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) November 3, 2024
Josh retweeted a post from Thomas stating that Carr needs “his ass whooped.”
Thomas played seven seasons with the Saints, including two as Olave’s teammate. He remains a free agent this season after last playing for New Orleans in 2023.