Image Source: Maize & Blue Nation
In a concerning turn as the 2025 NFL regular season winds down, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave has been ruled out for the Week 18 finale against the Atlanta Falcons due to a blood clot detected in his lung. The issue, initially listed as an “illness” on the injury report after he missed practice, was confirmed by multiple sources on January 1, 2026, bringing a premature end to what has been a career-best campaign for the 25-year-old.
Olave, who played through a recurring back injury in recent weeks—including a strong performance in Week 17 with 8 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans—did not have any prior history of blood clots. Fortunately, the condition was caught early, preventing a potentially more severe outcome. Reports indicate he is expected to make a full recovery within about a month, positioning him to be ready for the Saints’ offseason program in April 2026.
From his hospital bed, Olave shared an optimistic update on Instagram, posting a photo with the caption: “Thank you God for everything! Right where I need to be… Bounce back otw!” He emphasized gratitude that the clot was identified promptly and flexed for the camera, signaling his determination to return stronger.
This latest health scare caps a resilient 2025 season for Olave, who bounced back emphatically after a concussion-plagued 2024 campaign that saw him miss nine games and briefly contemplate retirement at age 24. In 2025, he set new career highs with 100 receptions, 1,163 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns across 16 games, emerging as the Saints’ undisputed top target amid quarterback transitions and offensive shifts under coordinator Kellen Moore.
The blood clot diagnosis has sparked widespread concern and support across NFL platforms. On X and sports forums, fans expressed relief at the early detection, with posts highlighting Olave’s toughness: “Scary stuff for Olave, but glad it was caught early—prayers up for a speedy recovery.” Analysts noted the positive prognosis, while some discussed implications for his upcoming contract negotiations—the Saints exercised his fifth-year option for 2026 (worth over $15 million), but extension talks could heat up this offseason. Fantasy football communities lamented the timing for those in championship weeks, but praised his comeback season.
As the Saints close out the year in Atlanta on January 4, they’ll lean on depth receivers like Dante Pettis, Kevin Austin Jr., and potentially practice squad elevations. For Olave, the focus shifts to recovery, with all signs pointing to a bright 2026 ahead in the Big Easy. Get well soon, CO12—the Who Dat Nation has your back.
