Saints WR Chris Olave suffers concussion, taken to hospital

Saints receiver Chris Olave suffered a concussion and was taken off the field on a backboard Sunday during the first quarter of New Orleans’ road game against the Carolina Panthers.

The Saints soon reported Olave had been taken to the hospital and would miss the rest of the game.

“He has movement in all extremities and is being evaluated at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center for further evaluation,” the Saints said.

CBS Sports reported in the second quarter that Olave was alert at the hospital and his vital signs were good.

The injury occurred as Olave attempted to catch a pass from quarterback Derek Carr on the play at the 7:03 mark of the quarter. As the ball sailed over Olave’s head, he was sandwiched between two Carolina defenders and crumpled to the ground.

Olave, 24, was selected 11th overall by the Saints in the 2022 NFL Draft. He began his career with back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

In seven games this season prior to Sunday, Olave had 31 catches for 387 yards with one touchdown.

Olave also was removed from the Saints’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 13 with a concussion.