The New Orleans Saints’ unfortunate luck with injuries struck again just three offensive plays into the game.
Chris Olave caught a five-yard pass near the sideline but was hit helmet-to-helmet by Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner Zyon McCollum while trying to turn upfield. The hit caused Olave to drop the ball, which was then picked up by Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield, who ran 58 yards for a touchdown. This incident marked the beginning of the Saints’ troubles.
Olave suffered a concussion and did not return, marking the third concussion of his professional career, with one occurring in each of his first three seasons.
After the game, Coach Dennis Allen had little information about Olave’s injury, only stating that he was in concussion protocol.
“It’s unfortunate to see your top guy go down so early in the game,” said quarterback Spencer Rattler. “I hope for a speedy recovery and that he comes back fully healthy. It’s tough because we really wanted to involve him in this game.”
The Saints also lost safety Tyrann Mathieu to a forearm injury; he managed just 16 defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Compounding the situation, the team was already without starting safety Will Harris, who was placed on injured reserve the previous Saturday. Jordan Howden and Johnathan Abram filled in at safety for much of the game against Tampa Bay, while special teamer J.T. Gray had to step in briefly when Abram left with an undisclosed injury.
