The New Orleans Saints are preparing for a divisional matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chris Olave’s latest ankle injury has become one of the week’s biggest storylines. With playoff hopes fading and pressure mounting, New Orleans cannot afford to lose another key contributor on offense, especially one as dynamic as Olave.
Is Chris Olave Expected to Play This Weekend Against Tampa Bay?
Olave was absent during the team’s first practice of Week 8, raising concerns about his availability. However, multiple reports indicated that the missed session was likely precautionary, and the Saints have not signaled any long-term concern.
On Thursday, Olave was spotted participating in the media-access portion of practice. He was officially listed as a limited participant, which often reflects workload management rather than a serious setback. His presence on the field points to a minor injury unlikely to keep him out of action.
The fourth-year wideout is coming off his most productive game of the season, hauling in five catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 7 loss to the Chicago Bears. He played 84 percent of offensive snaps despite reportedly suffering an ankle injury during the contest. That performance served as a reminder of Olave’s ability to take over a game, even while battling physical setbacks.
Despite seemingly living in the blue medical tent throughout the season, Olave has remained consistent in the Saints’ offense. Through seven games, he has compiled 44 receptions for 440 yards and three touchdowns on 71 targets. His reliability has been crucial for a New Orleans team that has struggled to find rhythm amid injuries to key players across the roster.
Olave’s chemistry with quarterback Spencer Rattler continues to grow, and his ability to stretch the field remains central to the passing game. With Tampa Bay’s secondary ranking among the league’s most aggressive, Olave’s route-running and separation skills could be vital in exploiting coverage mismatches and keeping drives alive.
Chris Olave was back today. Looked normal
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) October 23, 2025
The Saints enter Week 8 with a 1-6 record and are looking to shake up the NFC South with an upset win over the 5-2 division-leading Buccaneers. With veteran Brandin Cooks struggling to recapture his past form and Rashid Shaheed managing just 68 receiving yards over the last two games, Chris Olave’s presence becomes even more critical.
If he continues to practice without setbacks, Olave is expected to be active for Sunday’s game at Caesars Superdome. For now, signs are encouraging, but fantasy managers and Saints fans should keep a close eye on Friday’s final injury report.