Bucs Gameday

Saints Wide Receiver Downgraded to Out Ahead of Buccaneers Matchup in Week 18

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won't have to contend with New Orleans Saints wideout Chris Olave on Sunday.

River Wells

Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have one less threat to contend with on Sunday when they face off against the New Orleans Saints.

Wideout Chris Olave has been on injured reserve since Week 9 after suffering his second concussion of the year against the Carolina Panthers, but he was potentially slated to make his return against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. Olave had a full week of practice, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday that Olave will not come off IR and will not play against the Buccaneers in Week 18.

The Bucs need to beat the Saints in Week 18 to guarantee the NFC South crown and make the playoffs, and Olave's absence will make that a tad easier. Additionally, quarterback Derek Carr and running back Kendre Miller are both out as well and star running back Alvin Kamara is doubtful, making it unlikely he faces off against the Buccaneers, either.

Olave briefly played in the team's first game against the Saints early in the year, a 51-27 rout, but he suffered a concussion at the beginning of the game and did not return.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Why Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Was Named 'Biggest Snub' After Pro Bowl Voting

• Buccaneers Tight End Doubtful, Saints Hobbled Ahead of Week 18 Showdown

• Buccaneers OC Liam Coen Having 'Most Fun of His Life' Coaching in Tampa Bay

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Set To Cash In With Contract Incentives

Published
River Wells
RIVER WELLS

River Wells is a sports journalist from St. Petersburg, Florida, who has covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2023. He graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Florida in 2021. You can follow him on Twitter @riverhwells.

Home/Tampa Bay Buccaneers News