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New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Chris Olave will not play in Week 18 after a blood clot was reportedly discovered in his lung.
The blood clot was detected early and Olave was expected to be released from the hospital Thursday, according to Saints reporter Nick Underhill. Olave has no history of blood clots and is expected to be out for about a month, according to ESPN.
Olave, 25, has been fantastic this season for the Saints. The former Ohio State star had 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games.
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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) walks the sideline during the second half at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 5, 2025. (Stephen Lew/Imagn Images)
Olave’s 100 receptions and 1,163 yards are sixth and seventh in the NFL, respectively.
The Saints enter their Week 18 game against the Atlanta Falcons on a four-game winning streak, with Olave’s connection with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough being a big reason why. During the winning streak, Olave had 27 catches for 382 yards and four touchdowns.
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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave hauls in a pass for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gérald Herbert)
Olave’s absence also has playoff implications for the NFC South. The Carolina Panthers, who face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, can win the NFC South if they win against the Buccaneers or if the Saints lose to the Atlanta Falcons.
If the Panthers win Saturday, the Saints-Falcons game will have no playoff implications.
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If the Buccaneers win on Saturday, then the Saints-Falcons game will decide who wins the NFC South. If the Saints lose, then the Buccaneers advance, but if the Saints beat the Falcons, the Panthers will win the division.
The Buccaneers and Panthers will play on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET, while the Saints will face the Falcons on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
