New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave suffered his second concussion of the season during their Week 9 match against the Carolina Panthers.
After the injury, Olave was initially deemed week-to-week but shifted to the injured reserve. Olave was eligible to return to action this past weekend to face the Washington Commanders but has remained sidelined.
When is Olave coming back to action this season? What is his fantasy football outlook when he returns? Let's dive in.
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Chris Olave Injury Update for Fantasy Football
Even though Olave was not activated off the injured reserve, the Ohio State product still has a chance to return to action during the final weeks of the season. According to Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, "All options are on the table" regarding Olave's status.
Rizzi, on potential of Chris Olave's practice window being opened: "All options are on the table."
Added that he doesn't believe Olave will return this week.
— Luke Johnson (@ByLukeJohnson) December 11, 2024
Given that the Saints are not opting to shut him down yet, leaves the door open for a late season return. Fantasy managers should closely monitor his practice status this week as he could return in time to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi is trying his best to win the full-time head coaching job for 2025 and it's admirable how hard the team is still playing given that they are already out of the playoff race in the NFC.
Chris Olave Fantasy Football Outlook
Seeing that the Saints are not opting to shut him down even given their current place on the standings is a positive sign, nonetheless. Olave has battled numerous injuries all season as has averaged jut 50.0 receiving yards per contest across the eight games he played in. However, during Weeks 2 through 4, Olave averaged eclipsed 80.0 receiving yards in each game.
Toe-drag swag for a clutch touchdown catch by Chris Olave pic.twitter.com/YZmc5lDQkO
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) September 22, 2024
If Olave does return, he could be a viable low-end WR2 given the current state of the New Orleans wide receiver room. No.2 option Rashid Shaheed (knee) is out for the season and tight end Taysom Hill (knee) sustained a torn ACL during Week 13.
If Olave can return, he could find a path to a strong finish to what was an injury riddled campaign. Even though he has tough matchups in Weeks 16 and 17 facing the Packers and Raiders, he would operate as the clear top pass catcher and could find a successful path purely on volume.
If you are in a league that continues their fantasy playoffs through Week 18, you should especially consider holding Olave as he will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have allowed the seventh-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
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