New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave did not play in his team’s win over the New York Giants this past Sunday, but he is making progress toward a return.
Olave was listed as a limited participant in the Saints’ practice on Tuesday (via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk), indicating that he may be preparing to take the field when New Orleans battles the Los Angeles Rams in a pivotal matchup on Thursday night.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen had previously stated that he expected Olave to make a return to practice “in some form or fashion,” so clearly, Olave is on the up and up.
In 13 games this season, Olave has hauled in 72 receptions for 918 yards and four touchdowns.
Olave, who played his collegiate football at Ohio State, was selected by New Orleans with the 11th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a very impressive rookie campaign, playing in 15 contests and catching 72 passes for 1,042 yards and four scores.
Olave is the Saints’ No. 1 receiver, so getting him back in action this week with the club’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance will be imperative.
New Orleans entered the season considered by most to be the favorites to win the NFC South, but it has actually been one of the more disappointing squads in football.
The Saints are just 7-7 and endured a three-game losing streak before putting together back-to-back wins over the Atlanta Falcons and the Giants.
Currently, New Orleans is tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for first place in the division, but due to tiebreakers, the Buccaneers are technically ahead at the moment.
After heading on the road to battle the Rams this week, the Saints will then travel to Tampa to take on the Bucs in a matchup that could ultimately decide the NFC South. New Orleans will conclude its regular season when it hosts the Atlanta Falcons on Jan. 7.
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