Chris Olave and the New Orleans Saints passing offense did all they could during a 45-24 blowout loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was dealing, completing 15 of 20 passes for 223 yards and a touchdown, with wide receiver Drake London finishing with a team-high five catches and 96 yards.
The running backs were the story for the Falcons, with Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. combining for five touchdowns to tie a franchise record. Bijan carried the rock 19 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns, while Brian added three scores himself. With New Orleans only accumulating 50 total rushing yards in the game, New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough had to carry the offensive load.
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Shough threw for 286 yards and a touchdown, with wide receiver Olave being his main target. Olave finished with game highs with eight receptions and 116 receiving yards. Despite the strong game, an unfortunate injury development for the 6-foot-0 wide receiver looms, overshadowing his on-field production.
With the Saints down 45-17 with under two minutes left in the game, in a game well out of reach, the 6-foot-0 wide receiver took a shot to the knee and was forced to hobble to the sideline. The 26-year-old was able to walk off the field on his own and did not enter the medical tent.
The moment certainly caught the attention of Saints fans, who are hyperfocused on the health of their superstar receiver. Olave has missed time in prior seasons due to various concussions, including missing more than half of the 2024 season due to injury.
“Saints WR Chris Olave limped off the field after taking a shot to the knee,” NFL insider Ari Meirov wrote on X. “With New Orleans down 45-17 with under 2 minutes remaining.”
New Orleans will host the undefeated Minnesota Vikings at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, with coverage on FOX.
