Chris Olave has been having an excellent 2025 NFL season as the primary passing target for the New Orleans Saints. He is one of only five wide receivers this year to already reach 100 receptions, and his 156 targets rank third among all players in his position. He would have had a chance to add to his impressive year in Week 18 against the Atlanta Falcons, but a concerning injury update may impact his availability.
Is Chris Olave Playing in Week 18?
Olave has appeared in all 16 of New Orleans’ games during the 2025 season so far, but his health has become a concern ahead of their final one in Week 18 against the Falcons. Saints reported Nick Underhill shared an alarming situation involving the veteran wide receiver that is expected to keep him out for the final week of the season.
“A blood clot was detected in his lung. Got caught early before anything bad could happen, and will be fine, but not playing this week,” reported Underhill.
Chris Olave will be out this week, per source. A blood clot was detected in his lung. Got caught early before anything bad could happen and will be fine. But not playing this week.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) January 1, 2026
NFL insider Ian Rapoport followed up on the report that Olave will be unavailable against Atlanta this week after receiving treatment for a blood clot in his lung. He shared his perspective on the serious diagnosis. “That’s pretty scary, but early detection is important,” Rapoport said.
That’s pretty scary. But early detection is important. https://t.co/gjcrEvgmXu
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2026
Thankfully, it was reportedly detected early, before causing any major health issues, and he is expected to make a full recovery without long-term complications. The Saints have already been eliminated from playoff contention, so they don’t necessarily need him on the field anyway, but the positive outlook on his well-being going forward is the most important development from this situation.
Now that his season has reportedly been concluded, Olave will end the year with 100 receptions on 156 targets for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns, setting new career-highs in all four categories. He currently ranks 23rd among all wide receivers in PFSN’s Impact Rankings and has been a key piece in developing rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who has come on strong in the final stages of this season.
The veteran wide receiver has provided the rookie quarterback with a reliable weapon in their passing schemes and has helped him consistently demonstrate growth throughout the season. The duo is expected to be the focal point of their offense next year, as they continue to build on their younger core and potentially set themselves up for future success in a relatively weak NFC South division.
