Chris Olave injury update: Saints WR suffers concussion in Week 6 game vs. Buccaneers

The New Orleans Saints have endured plenty of injury issues to start the 2024 NFL season, and it appears they have suffered another key one on offense in Week 6.

Chris Olave exited the game in the first quarter after suffering an injury on his first catch of the day. The veteran wide-out took a shot to the head on the short reception and appeared dazed after it. Medical staffers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Saints quickly tended to him before he got up and walked to the medical tent for treatment.

Here's what to know about Olave's injury and how it could impact the Saints, who are already without top quarterback Derek Carr and several offensive linemen.

Chris Olave injury update

Olave suffered an apparent head injury on the Saints' first offensive drive of their Week 6 game against the Buccaneers.

Olave caught a 5-yard dump-off from rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler on a second-and-15 play. The third-year receiver turned toward the sideline in an effort to outrun Tykee Smith but took a hard hit from cornerback Zyon McCollum, who was guarding the sideline.

Olave fumbled after taking the hit, and Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. picked it up and returned it for a touchdown. Meanwhile, Olave remained down behind the play, appearing dazed. Tampa Bay's medical staff came to his aid right away before New Orleans' personnel came across the field to treat him.

Olave was able to get up and walk off the field under his own power. He received treatment in the blue medical tent before heading to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion.

The Saints announced during the second quarter that Olave suffered a concussion and that he was out for the remainder of the game. His status for New Orleans' "Thursday Night Football" game in Week 7 may also be in doubt.

Who is Chris Olave's backup on Saints WR depth chart?

Olave's backup is Bub Means. The fifth-round rookie from Pitt entered Week 6 with just one target in four career games but made his first career catch against the Buccaneers after replacing Olave.

The Saints will have just four healthy receivers on the roster with Olave ruled out. They are as follows:

• Rashid Shaheed

• Mason Tipton

• Bub Means

• Cedrick Wilson Jr.

Rattler may also rely on the Saints' tight end room, currently headlined by Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau, to serve as his top targets.

Chris Olave stats

Olave had just one catch for five yards before suffering a concussion against the Buccaneers. He entered Sunday's game with 22 catches for 275 yards and one touchdown on the season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Olave injury update: Saints WR exits game vs Buccaneers