New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) catches a New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of the game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (Staff photo by David Grunfeld, The Times-Picayune | ) Before team drills began Wednesday, Chris Olave changed jerseys.
The went from wearing a black No. 12 uniform to a red No. 12, a no-contact jersey usually only worn by quarterbacks or injured players.
It turns out, Olave is dealing with a minor injury. Coach Dennis Allen said that Olave tweaked his shoulder in the weightroom a few weeks ago, and the Saints decided to take a cautious approach with the 23-year-old. Olave, however, still went through the full practice session and was a major part of the offense.
Because of the jersey, Olave’s teammates also made sure to stay away from the wide receiver whenever he got the ball. “We’re making sure he doesn’t get bumped in any form or fashion,” Allen said. With Olave a full participant, here’s who missed Wednesday’s voluntary OTA practice for the Saints: safety Tyrann Mathieu (family matter), running back Alvin Kamara, cornerback Paulson Adebo, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (foot), defensive end Chase Young (neck), tight end Tommy Hudson, linebacker Nathan Latu and defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (family matter).
Defensive end Cam Jordan (ankle), linebacker Jaylan Ford (groin) and offensive lineman.