Introduction
Chris Olave, the dynamic wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, has become one of the most talked-about players in the NFL — not just for his on-field excellence, but also for a sudden health setback that has left fans and fantasy football owners asking: Is he playing this week? In this comprehensive article, we break down his status for Week 18, where he’s from, details of his blood clot diagnosis, his career trajectory, recovery outlook, and what all this means for the Saints going forward.
Who Is Chris Olave and Where Is He From?
Christian Josiah Olave, commonly known as Chris Olave, was born on June 27, 2000, in San Ysidro, California, U.S. He grew up in Southern California and attended Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, where he made a name for himself as a standout wide receiver. After a stellar high school career, Olave committed to one of college football’s top programs — Ohio State University — where he continued to shine.
At Ohio State, Olave became known for his precise route running, explosiveness, and ability to make big plays in crucial moments. He set records and quickly became one of the most highly-coveted wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
In 2022, Olave was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 11th overall pick. Since then, he has developed into one of the league’s top pass-catchers, establishing himself as quarterback targets and a cornerstone of the Saints’ offense.
Chris Olave’s NFL Career and Breakout So Far
Olave’s career trajectory has been impressive:
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Drafted in 2022 by the New Orleans Saints, 11th overall.
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Quickly became a key part of the Saints’ offense in his rookie year.
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Showed consistency, explosiveness, and an ability to make big plays downfield.
Olave’s career also includes leadership in receptions and receiving yards for the Saints, even as the team worked through changes at the quarterback position. His chemistry with younger quarterbacks — particularly rookie Tyler Shough — emerged later in the 2025 season, helping him achieve career highs in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,163), and touchdowns (9).
Overall, Olave built a reputation not just as a productive pass-catcher but as a workhorse wide receiver who can handle a heavy target share and stretch defenses vertically.
Blood Clot Diagnosis: What Happened?
Medical Situation
In a surprising and concerning development for the Saints and Olave’s fans, a blood clot was detected in one of his lungs, officially ruling him out of Week 18 against the Atlanta Falcons. This diagnosis came after Olave missed practice days and was initially listed with an illness before being hospitalized.
Medical staff were able to diagnose the clot early, and thankfully, Olave is expected to make a full recovery — a crucial detail given the potentially serious nature of clots in the lungs. Early detection likely prevented more severe complications, and sources report he will be discharged from the hospital shortly.
No Prior History of Blood Clots
According to reports, Olave has no prior history of blood clot issues, making this development particularly unexpected. Health professionals and team medical staff have emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms early, particularly in athletes under constant physical stress.
Status for This Week: Is Chris Olave Playing?
No — Chris Olave is officially OUT for Week 18.
The New Orleans Saints announced that Olave will not participate in the season finale against the Atlanta Falcons due to the blood clot diagnosis in his lung. This ends his 2025 regular season one game early.
This update confirms that while Olave’s health is stable and he is expected to recover, he is not cleared to play this week — a crucial point for Saints fans, fantasy football managers, and bettors alike.
What This Means for the Saints
With Olave sidelined for Week 18, the Saints will be without their top receiving weapon, which could significantly impact offensive game planning. Olave’s absence forces other offensive players and quarterbacks to step up against a Falcons defense that can capitalize on mismatches and pressure.
This also means:
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Other receivers, tight ends, and running backs will see more targets.
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The Saints may rely more on short passing plays to compensate.
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Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will need reliable alternatives.
Even though this loss impacts the lineup for one game, the broader implications will depend on how the Saints handle the situation in subsequent years, especially with Olave set to be in his fifth-year option contract for 2026.
Recovery Outlook and Return Timeline
While Olave won’t play in Week 18, the good news is that he is expected to recover fully from the blood clot within a reasonable timeframe. Sources indicate:
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Olave is expected to be discharged soon.
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He will likely be ready for offseason activities as they begin.
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Full recovery from a blood clot typically involves monitoring and follow-up testing.
This means that while the immediate impact is significant, the long-term outlook for his career remains positive — provided he follows a medical plan and allows his body to heal properly.
What Fans and Fantasy Managers Should Know
For those with Olave on fantasy football rosters, this update means:
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No points from Olave this week.
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Consider streaming receivers for this Week 18 matchup.
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Monitor official team announcements regarding postseason and offseason health.
NFL teams are typically cautious with players dealing with blood clots, especially in the lungs, because anticoagulant medications — often used to treat clots — can make physical contact sports riskier. Fans should watch for official updates on his recovery plan and clearance for training camp or preseason.
Chris Olave’s Legacy So Far
Despite this health scare, Olave’s impact on the Saints cannot be overstated. From his SEC records at Ohio State to becoming one of New Orleans’ most reliable receivers, he has:
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Set personal bests in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2025.
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Proven resilient after considering retirement due to concussions in past seasons.
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Developed into a leader in the Saints’ offense.
His career has been one of perseverance and growth, and this health situation — while serious — is just another chapter in his remarkable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Chris Olave playing this week?
No. Chris Olave is ruled out for Week 18 against the Atlanta Falcons due to a blood clot in his lung.
2. What was Olave’s injury?
He developed a blood clot in his lung, which is a serious health condition that requires monitoring and treatment.
3. Where is Chris Olave from?
Chris Olave was born in San Ysidro, California and grew up in Southern California before playing college football at Ohio State University.
4. Will Chris Olave recover?
Yes — reports indicate he is expected to make a full recovery, with doctors catching the condition early.
5. Has Olave had other injury issues before?
Yes — he previously dealt with multiple concussions, which at one point led him to consider retirement before ultimately returning and having a breakout season.
6. What does his absence mean for the Saints?
The Saints will need to adjust their offensive strategy for the final game, with more passes to other receivers and a heavier role for tight ends and running backs.
Conclusion
Chris Olave’s blood clot diagnosis is an unexpected twist in a breakout 2025 season. While he’s out for Week 18, the early detection and expected full recovery provide relief for fans. Olave’s journey — from California to Ohio State to becoming one of the Saints’ most explosive offensive weapons — remains one of resilience and elite playmaking. Stay tuned for updates as the Saints and Olave update his health status heading into the offseason and beyond.
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