1. Introduction
Chris Olave’s journey from Ohio State standout to NFL first-round pick has been followed with high expectations. Known for crisp route-running, dependable hands, and deep-threat ability, he has already shown flashes of top-tier potential — but concerns about injuries, particularly concussions, have clouded parts of his career. As Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season approaches, many are wondering: Is Olave healthy? Will he play? This article explores all angles.
2. Early Life and College Career
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Birth & Background
Chris Olave was born on June 27, 2000, in San Ysidro, California.
He later transferred during high school to Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California. -
High School Performance
In his senior season, Olave hauled in 93 receptions for 1,764 yards and 26 touchdowns, putting him among the most prolific high school receivers in the nation. -
College at Ohio State
At Ohio State (2018–2021), Olave consistently produced. Over his four-year career, he caught 176 passes for 2,711 yards and 35 touchdowns — the school record for career receiving TDs.
His final season (2021) saw 65 receptions for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns.His time in Columbus showcased his route technique, ball-tracking, and ability to separate from defenders.
3. Chris Olave Draft Profile & Combine Metrics
When Olave declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, scouts and analysts evaluated him extensively. Below is a deep dive into his draft profile, including combine results, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Combine / Pro Day & Measurables
According to sources, Olave measured:
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Height: 6-0
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Weight: 187 lbs (≈ 84.8 kg)
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40-yard dash: 4.39 seconds
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Vertical jump: 32.0 in
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Broad jump: 124 in
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Arm length: 31.13 in; Hand length: 9.50 in
Those metrics placed him favorably among receivers, with his 40 time being especially appealing for teams seeking deep speed capability.
Strengths
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Route Running & Separation
One of Olave’s biggest assets is his route-running polish. He has the ability to create separation, adjust in breaks, and stay balanced in his transitions. -
Deep Speed & Burst
While his top-end speed is good, what stands out is his burst — the ability to push past defenders quickly. -
Ball-Tracking & Catching in Traffic
He shows the capacity to high-point the ball, adjust mid-air, and snatch contested catches. -
Versatility
Olave can line up both outside and in the slot, giving offensive coordinators flexibility. -
Awareness / Route Adjustment
He can find soft spots in zones, stem off defenders, and adjust his routes in traffic.
Weaknesses / Risks
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Lack of Elite Physicality
Olave is not a heavyweight receiver; against press coverage or physical corners, he may struggle to dominate. -
Yards After Catch (YAC)
He is not necessarily a burner after the catch; his best plays often come from clean separation rather than breaking tackles. -
Short-area Quickness
In tight windows or in playmaking inside the red zone, his quickness over very short spaces is not elite. -
Durability / Injury Risk
While not immediately obvious from college, concerns about durability and injury have followed him, especially in the NFL years. (More on this in later sections.)
Projections & Comparisons
At draft time, Olave was widely regarded as a first-round candidate. Analysts often compared him to polished route-runners with size/speed combo rather than pure physical monsters.
His upside projection: a dependable WR1 / WR2 who offers vertical threat and reliable hands.
4. NFL Career So Far
Rookie Season (2022)
Olave was selected 11th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
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He made his debut in Week 1 vs. Atlanta: 3 receptions for 41 yards and a two-point conversion.
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He had multiple 100+ yard games (e.g. Week 3: 9 receptions for 147 yards).
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Final rookie numbers: 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and 4 touchdowns.
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Earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
The early results validated that his technical skills translated quickly to the pro level.
2023 Season
In his sophomore year, Olave elevated his production:
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He snagged 87 receptions for 1,123 yards and 5 touchdowns.
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He was a consistent target in New Orleans’ passing game and demonstrated durability across 16 games.
2024 — Injury Setbacks
The 2024 season marked a difficult stretch due to injuries, especially concussions:
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Olave suffered two concussions during the season.
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One concussion forced him to miss eight games.
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He recorded only 32 catches, 400 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown in 8 games.
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With concussions being such a major concern, 2024 became a red-flag season for his health.
2025 Season (to Date)
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The Saints have exercised the fifth-year option on Olave’s contract in 2025, signaling a commitment despite injury history.
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As of early 2025, Olave has collected 39 receptions for 342 yards and 1 touchdown in the current season.
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He has accounted for a high share of targets in New Orleans’ passing game (≈ 32.2% of team targets) but with relatively modest per-catch and per-target averages (8.8 yards/catch, 5.3 yards/target).
5. Height, Weight & Physical Profile
A key part of any player profile is the physical measurement. For Chris Olave:
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Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
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Weight: 187 lbs (≈ 84.8 kg)
These measurements are within the typical range for NFL wide receivers, though not on the large side. His build emphasizes agility, speed, and route technique over sheer physical dominance.
In terms of athletic metrics, Olave’s 4.39 40-yard dash and vertical jump (32 in) show he has the speed and leaping ability to compete at the top level.
Overall, his physical profile is more finesse-oriented than brute force, relying on technical skills, separation, and catching ability rather than overpowering defenders.
6. Is Chris Olave Playing in Week 7?
One of the most pressing questions now is whether Chris Olave is expected to play in Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season.
Recent Injury / Practice Reports
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Olave was listed as limited in practice in early reports ahead of Week 7, due to a hip issue.
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ESPN notes that this is the first time this season he appears on the injury report with limitations.
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Despite being limited, his participation suggests he’s on track to play.
Status & Outlook
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Officially, Olave is currently listed as “Questionable” for Week 7.
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Fantasy projections and expert rankings place him around WR #21 for the week, reflecting uncertainty.
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The fact that he’s active in practice, albeit limited, is a positive sign.
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Unless further setbacks or re-aggravation occur, it’s expected Olave will play, though perhaps with some restriction or oversight.
Thus, barring surprises, Olave is likely to suit up in Week 7 against the Chicago Bears. Chris Olave draft profile.
7. What to Expect If He Plays
Role in the Saints’ Offense
If Olave is active, he should remain a primary target in New Orleans’ passing game:
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He already commands a high target share (≈ 32%) when healthy.
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Quarterback Spencer Rattler has shown trust in him, throwing deep and intermediate routes his way consistently.
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His route versatility allows him to run both outside and in-slot patterns, making him a dynamic piece in the scheme.
Fantasy Football Impact
From a fantasy perspective, if active, Olave remains a viable WR2/WR3 or high upside flex. Some considerations:
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His current projection for Week 7: ~8.1 points (PPR) with WR #21 ranking among experts.
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The questionable tag will make him a risky play — sitting him may appeal to conservative fantasy managers.
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If he logs full reps, his upside lies in deep catches or red zone looks, especially if defenses double other Saints’ receivers.
Thus, if he plays, he is likely to produce moderate value. But the game environment, QB play, and health all factor heavily. Chris Olave draft profile.
8. Challenges & Risks
While Olave has outstanding traits, several challenges and risk factors remain:
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Injury / Concussion History
The multiple concussions in 2024 loom as a long-term concern. Concussions carry unpredictability in recovery and recurrence. -
Hip/Lower Body Issues
His current limited practice status for hip troubles is a red flag. Even soft tissue or joint issues can hamper route sharpness and cutting. -
Inconsistent Per-catch Production
While he gets many targets, his efficiency (yards per target, yards per catch) has been modest, suggesting a ceiling in volume-based production. -
Press Coverage / Physical Corners
Against big, physical defensive backs who jam receivers at the line, Olave’s slight frame may not be ideal. -
Dependence on QB & Offensive Scheme
Changes at quarterback or offensive scheme shifts could affect his role or target share. Chris Olave draft profile.
9. Future Outlook
Despite the risks, Olave’s trajectory remains promising:
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The Saints’ decision to pick up the fifth-year option signals confidence in his long-term value.
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If he can stay healthy, he has the skill set to be a long-term WR1 / WR2 in a pass-heavy offense.
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Continued refinement in contested catch situations, route diversity, and YAC potential could elevate his ceiling.
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In fantasy and NFL circles, Olave is seen as a blend of stability (high target share) and volatility (boom or bust deep plays). Chris Olave draft profile.
10. FAQs
Q1: What is Chris Olave’s current height and weight?
A1: Chris Olave is 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) tall and weighs 187 lbs (≈ 84.8 kg).
Q2: Was Chris Olave a first-round draft pick?
A2: Yes, Olave was selected in the first round, 11th overall, by the New Orleans Saints in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Q3: What are Olave’s strengths as a receiver?
A3: His strengths include polished route running, separation ability, deep speed/burst, ball-tracking, and versatility in alignment.
Q4: What are the main weaknesses or risks?
A4: Key risks include limited physicality, modest YAC ability, injury concerns (especially concussions), and challenges against press coverage.
Q5: Is Chris Olave expected to play in Week 7 (2025)?
A5: Yes — he is listed as Questionable, was limited in practice due to a hip issue, but report suggests he’s on track to play.
Q6: What is his role in the Saints’ offense if he plays?
A6: He is likely to be a primary target, drawing many targets, especially on deeper routes and in intermediate zones.
Q7: How should fantasy managers treat him for Week 7?
A7: If active, he’s a mid-tier WR2/WR3 option with upside. But due to the injury risk and “Questionable” tag, starting him is a calculated risk. Chris Olave draft profile.
11. Conclusion
Chris Olave’s journey from standout Ohio State receiver to NFL impact player has been impressive, though not without its hurdles. His polished route-running, separation skills, and big-play ability make him an attractive asset for the Saints. At 6-0 and 187 lbs, he’s not the biggest receiver, but he leverages technique and athleticism to compete.
As Week 7 nears in 2025, Olave is listed as Questionable due to a hip issue but appears likely to play, albeit potentially in a limited capacity. If healthy, he remains a focal point in New Orleans’ offense and a meaningful contributor in fantasy leagues — provided you’re comfortable with the risk.
