The New Orleans Saints have dealt with numerous injuries so far this season. The injury reports through the first six weeks have included some notable names like Alvin Kamara, Alontae Taylor, Cesar Ruiz, Taysom Hill, and Chris Olave.
It hasn’t helped an already challenging start to the season. The Saints are currently 1-5 and are traveling to Soldier Field to face the 3-2 Chicago Bears on Sunday. It has fans wondering if Olave will be back for the game.
Will Saints WR Chris Olave Be Back To Play the Saints?
Olave was a new addition to the injury report as of Wednesday. The former first-round pick has struggled with injuries since being drafted in 2022. However, he has been healthy so far this season, giving fans a lot of optimism.
It is easy to understand why they felt their hopes were dashed when they unexpectedly spotted his name. Olave was a limited participant thanks to a hip injury. This was the first time he had been limited in practice during the 2025 season.
It seems likely that the injury occurred during their Week 6 25-19 loss to the New England Patriots. In that game, Olave played the majority of offensive snaps and was targeted, a team high, 10 times, with six catches for 98 yards.
Fortunately, the hip injury appears to be minor, as Olave returned to full participation in Thursday’s practice. The Saints’ official injury report showed he was moved from limited participation “LP” to full participation “FP.”
Saints’ reporter Mike Triplett shared the good news on X on Thursday.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara, CB Isaac Yiadom both participating in portion of Thursday practice open to media after they missed Wednesday. Also saw WR Chris Olave, CB Alontae Taylor after they were limited Wednesday.
Didn’t see DT Davon Godchaux, who has routinely missed Thursdays.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) October 16, 2025
Olave’s drastic turnaround indicated that the injury was not serious and was just an effort to give the veteran a rest day as a precaution.
Considering he was a full participant on Thursday, it seems likely there is no reason for fans to worry about him playing on Sunday against the Bears. He should once again suit up and be one of quarterback Spencer Rattler’s favorite targets.
Olave is currently leading the Saints receivers in receptions, targets, and yards. According to PFSN’s WR Impact metric, Olave has a grade of C and is the 44th highest rated receiver in the league.
It appears the Saints are getting healthier just in time to try to turn their season around.