Saints’ young receivers get chance to impress with Olave out

The New Orleans Saints will turn to their young wide receivers in Sunday’s season finale against the Atlanta Falcons, a necessity after Chris Olave’s season was cut short by the discovery of a blood clot in his lung. The issue was caught early, and Olave is expected to make a full recovery.

Olave, 25, had appeared in the injury report this week with an illness after missing practice Wednesday. Sources told ESPN that he has no prior history of blood clots and is expected to recover in roughly a month, which would allow him to participate in the Saints’ offseason program beginning in April.

Olave finished the season with career highs of 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns, placing him among the NFL’s top receivers in all three categories.

New Orleans Saints carry four receivers on active roster

With Olave sidelined, New Orleans will carry four wide receivers on its active roster: Kevin Austin Jr., Dante Pettis, Ronnie Bell and Samori Toure. Elijah Cooks remains on the practice squad.

The Saints’ offense, led by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, has found its stride down the stretch. New Orleans has won four straight games, and Shough has emerged as a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

As the Saints look to build on that momentum in Week 18 and beyond, the young receivers will have one final opportunity to make their case.

Head coach Kellen Moore said he welcomes the chance for them to step up.

"Everyone always asks for an opportunity," he said. "No matter what time of the year in an NFL calendar, if you're given an opportunity, you're fired up for it. I'm really excited for those guys to take advantage of it."