New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave missed nine games in 2024 and played fewer than 10 snaps in two others after suffering two concussions.
The Nov. 3 concussion caused him to miss the final eight games of the season. He returned to the practice field in December but never participated in a game to close the campaign.
"It was tough, man, at first; I ain't never really sat out that long," Olave said on Wednesday, via The Associated Press. "That was really my first major injury. ... Just not being able to go and practice and go to meetings with my guys was the worst part, but I feel like I'm ready. I was training and lifting and everything in December. So, I feel like I'm good."
Olave's first two seasons were sensational, generating 1,000-plus yards in each campaign and proving an elite route runner. However, he's suffered at least four known concussions in his three seasons -- one in 2022 and one in 2023 before last year's two. He consulted with specialists after the latest head injury.
"They said I was OK back in December when they cleared me. It was just unlucky situations I was being put in," Olave said. "God's got me at the end of the day. I'm not worried about nothing. So, just got to go out there 100% and be ready."
Olave's injury history, coupled with the Saints' quarterback situation, has made the wideout the subject of trade rumors. He has two years left on his rookie contract after New Orleans picked up the $15.493 million fifth-year option for 2026.
Olave laughed off the trade chatter.
"It's all rumors, man," Olave said. "In the offseason, everybody's trying to have something for clicks. So, I love it here. I love the front office. I love my coaches. I'm excited to be here, and I want to be here forever."
