The New Orleans Saints continue their challenging season as they prepare for another divisional clash. Chris Olave has been dealing with an injury concern that emerged after last week’s contest. With New Orleans desperately needing offensive production and fantasy football managers seeking clarity on their reliable target, will their star receiver be available for Week 8?
Chris Olave Injury Update
Thursday update:Â Olave returned to a limited practice on Thursday, putting him on track to play Sunday.
Olave picked up an ankle injury during last week’s game that has carried over into this week’s preparation. The veteran receiver has maintained perfect health throughout most of the 2025 season, making this latest concern noteworthy for fantasy managers who have relied on his consistent availability.​
Olave did not practice on Wednesday, which is a similar pattern to last week. Fortunately, the injury is believed to be minor based on early assessments, but the missed practice session creates some uncertainty about his Week 8 status against Tampa Bay.​
According to Nick Underhill, a trusted Saints reporter, Olave is expected to play despite the Wednesday absence. Underhill has previously provided accurate updates on Olave’s injury situations, including describing past ankle concerns as “insignificant” and “day-to-day”.​
Fantasy managers should expect Olave to return to a limited practice session on Thursday, following typical protocols for players managing minor injuries. The Saints have shown they prefer to exercise caution with their star receiver, particularly given his injury history that includes multiple concussion concerns.​
Based on the expected progression and Underhill’s reporting, Olave will likely avoid a final injury designation altogether and be cleared for Sunday’s divisional matchup. There is no cause for concern regarding his availability at this point, as the ankle issue appears to be a minor setback that won’t prevent him from taking the field.​
The Saints’ approach with Olave mirrors their handling of previous minor injuries, where they list him as limited or hold him out of early-week practices before clearing him for game action.
Olave Fantasy Outlook
Olave has delivered back-to-back 98-yard receiving performances, establishing himself as one of the most consistent fantasy options at the position. His recent production surge has coincided with improved chemistry with quarterback Spencer Rattler, who has looked to Olave as his primary target in crucial situations.​
The veteran receiver has been incredibly reliable throughout the 2025 season, commanding a 31% target share that ranks seventh in the league. His 29.7% targets per route run rate also ranks seventh among all wide receivers, demonstrating his heavy involvement in New Orleans’ passing attack regardless of game situation.​
Olave’s consistency extends beyond simple volume metrics, as he has proven to be Rattler’s most trusted option in high-leverage situations. His two touchdown performance against Chicago marked the first multi-touchdown game of his career and showcased his red zone reliability.​
The matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers presents a favorable opportunity for continued production. The Bucs allow significant fantasy production to wide receivers, creating an ideal scenario for Olave to build on his recent success.​
Fantasy managers can start Olave with confidence, as his combination of target volume, route running precision, and quarterback trust makes him a reliable weekly option. His 44 catches for 440 yards and three touchdowns through seven games puts him on pace to surpass his previous season marks.​
The Saints’ offensive struggles have actually increased Olave’s target share, as the team has relied heavily on his ability to create separation and make contested catches. His performance has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season for New Orleans.
With multiple teams on bye in Week 8, Olave’s expected availability and favorable matchup make him an attractive option for fantasy lineups. His recent touchdown production and consistent target volume provide both a solid floor and reasonable ceiling for fantasy purposes.
