**Saints’ Chris Olave Faces Significant Hiatus with Injury**

The New Orleans Saints will be without wide receiver Chris Olave for an extended period, as he is expected to be placed on injured reserve. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported this development on Saturday, citing sources. Olave, who has already been ruled out for Week 10, has suffered two concussions this season – the first against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6, and the second during last week's game against the Carolina Panthers.

Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi confirmed that Olave is seeking advice from specialists to figure out the best way forward for his health. According to Rapoport, considering Olave's concussion history, the team's standing, and his current consults with specialists, there's a possibility he may not return to the field for the remainder of the 2024 season.

A first-round draft pick from Ohio State in 2022, Olave has been impressive in his brief NFL career, with two 1,000-yard seasons in his first two years. However, his potential has been hindered by concussion issues, having suffered four documented concussions in his career, with 2024 marking the first year he's had two in a single season.

The situation draws parallels to that of Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who also dealt with a concussion earlier this season. Tagovailoa spent five weeks on injured reserve before making his return in Week 8, with Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel emphasizing health over availability, a stance similar to Rizzi's regarding Olave.

The Saints' receiver lineup has taken a hit with Olave’s absence, compounded by the injury to Rashid Shaheed. The team will rely on Ced Wilson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and rookies Mason Tipton and Jermaine Jackson to step up in their next game against NFC North rival Atlanta.