Chris Olave: Will Play Week 7? | Will He Play This Week? | Scouting Report
The New Orleans Saints face a pivotal Week 7 matchup, and much attention is centered on one of their most dynamic offensive weapons: Chris Olave. With a hip issue forcing him into the injury report and limited practice participation, fans, fantasy managers, and analysts alike are asking: Will Chris Olave play in Week 7? This article breaks down the latest status update, injury outlook, fantasy impact, and a full scouting report on Olave’s strengths, weaknesses, and role in the Saints offense.
Current Status & Injury Update
Wednesday Practice & Hip Injury
Chris Olave was listed on the Saints’ Wednesday injury report as a limited participant with a hip injury (LP). This marks the first time this season that Olave has appeared limited in practice.
Saints’ official injury report for Week 7 vs. Chicago confirmed five players listed, with Olave among them. His hip issue is the only new injury designation for him this season.
FantasyPros also reported:
“Chris Olave (hip) limited at practice Wednesday … it remains to be seen whether or not it will leave him with an injury designation for Week 7’s matchup against the Bears.”
Outlook: Likely to Play
Despite the limitation, multiple sources believe Olave is likely to suit up for Week 7. RotoWire noted:
“Olave’s practice participation at the start of Week 7, even in a limited capacity, suggests he’s on track to play this Sunday against the Bears.”
Another fantasy report echoed the sentiment: barring a setback, he should be active.
Still, the limited practice does raise some red flags — if his hip issue flares during the week, he could be downgraded or limited further.
Bottom Line: At this moment, the outlook is that Chris Olave will likely play in Week 7, albeit possibly with some limited snaps or targeting until the hip injury is cleared.
Fantasy Impact & Usage
Olave has commanded a massive share of targets for the Saints this season. According to RotoWire, he accounts for roughly 32.2% of New Orleans’ targets.
His efficiency metrics, however, are less impressive: averages of 8.8 yards per reception and 5.3 yards per target. Even so, with volume comes opportunity, and as long as he is active, he holds meaningful fantasy upside — especially in PPR formats.
FantasyPros projects around 8.1 points (PPR) in a WR #21 rank for Week 7, assuming full (or near full) participation. But given the injury, many consider him a volatile WR2 or high-end flex this week.
For dynasty or long-term managers, Olave’s target share and established rapport with the offense make him an attractive core piece — assuming health can be managed.
Scouting Report: Chris Olave — Strengths, Weaknesses & Pro Outlook
To better understand what Olave brings to the table (and how injury might affect him), let’s dive deep into his scouting profile, drawing on pre-draft, early-career, and advanced analysis.
Background & Profile
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Name: Chris Olave
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Position: Wide Receiver (WR)
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Height / Weight: ~ 6’0″ / ~ 185–188 lbs
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College: Ohio State University
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Draft: 2022, 1st round, 11th overall by New Orleans Saints
Olave entered the league with strong expectations, thanks to his polished route running, ball tracking, and clean separation ability.
Strengths
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Route Running & Separation
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One of Olave’s hallmark traits is his precision in route running. He wastes little motion getting into his route, and his footwork allows him to manipulate defenders with sharp stems and cuts.
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He consistently generates separation, even against tight coverage, thanks to his suddenness and ability to quickly change direction.
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He exhibits advanced recognition within route concepts, understanding timing and the structure of the offense, adjusting his route tempo when needed.
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Hands & Ball Tracking
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Olave has often been praised for his reliable hands and ability to “snatch the ball out of the air.”
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His tracking is strong: even on contested throws or throws into tight windows, Olave demonstrates the concentration and spatial awareness to make difficult catches.
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He excels at high-pointing the ball, which aids in red-zone and contested-catch scenarios.
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Burst & Acceleration (vs. Top Speed)
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While not the fastest receiver in terms of pure top-end speed, Olave shows exceptional burst off the line and the ability to quickly reach his top gear.
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His 10-yard splits and initial pop allow him to separate early in many routes.
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He can challenge defenses vertically when the moment allows, especially when he finds creases or gets matched with slower defensive backs.
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Versatility & Awareness
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In college, Olave lined up both outside and in the slot, giving flexibility to his usage.
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He shows good spatial awareness: he finds soft spots in zone coverage and positions himself as a viable receiving target in tight windows.
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His football intelligence is frequently highlighted — he knows timing, leverage, and how to manipulate defenders.
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Weaknesses / Areas to Improve
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Lack of Physicality / Strength
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Olave doesn’t have a physical, imposing frame. His 185–188 lb build means that against press coverage or when battling bigger defensive backs, he can struggle.
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He isn’t known for being a strong blocker. His contribution in the run game or chipping in blocking assignments is limited.
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Top Speed Ceiling
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Some evaluators believe that while his burst is excellent, his top-end speed might cap out relative to elite speedsters.
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Against more athletic defensive backs, it could be more challenging for him to win consistently deep.
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Durability / Injury Concerns
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While not typically injury-prone, Olave has had concussion issues in 2024, missing significant time.
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The current hip issue is relatively new; if it lingers or worsens, it could hamper his explosiveness or route-running sharpness.
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Touch & Yards After Catch (YAC)
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While effective after the catch at times, Olave is not always a YAC-heavy threat compared to more physically built receivers. His ability to break tackles or make defenders miss in space is decent but not elite. Some analysts note his “not physical” build limits yards after contact.
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NFL Comparisons & Projection
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Many compare Olave to Will Fuller — he’s seen as a deep threat with good hands, though the physicality and durability profile differ.
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Some analysts also compare him to Jerry Jeudy (in body type and route finesse), though Olave is often given the edge in hands and quieter consistency.
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As his career progresses, the hope is that Olave continues to refine his body strength and effectiveness against press/man coverage, making him a more complete WR1-type player.
In short: if healthy, Olave’s combination of precision, ball skills, and usage makes him a key weapon in any passing offense.
Week 7 Outlook & Strategy
Matchup: Saints @ Bears (2025, Week 7)
While the focus here is on Olave, it’s worth noting the context:
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The Saints listed five players on the injury report ahead of Week 7, with Olave among those limited.
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Opponent defensive strengths, quarterback play, and how the Saints decide to manage Olave’s snaps under injury will all factor into his potential output.
Recommended Strategy & Use
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Start (if healthy)
If Olave is declared active and practices lead up cleanly, he should be in lineups as a starter or high-end WR2. His target share and offensive volume are too significant to ignore. -
Monitor Practice Participation
Watch Thursday and Friday practice reports. If his participation is limited (LP) or he’s downgraded, consider backup plans or hedge picks. -
Manage Expectations
Given the hip injury and possible snap/catch limitations, do not expect full ceiling performance. But volume and matchups could still yield value — especially red-zone or contested targets. -
Fantasy League Adjustments
In deeper leagues, it might be safer to have a high-floor option in your flex spot. But Olave remains a high-upside play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will Chris Olave play in Week 7?
A1: The current outlook is that Olave will play in Week 7. He was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice with a hip injury, and multiple sources expect him to suit up. However, his status could change if setbacks occur later in the week.
Q2: What is the nature of Chris Olave’s injury?
A2: Olave is dealing with a hip issue. This is the first time this season he’s been limited in practice due to injury.
Q3: Does the hip injury reduce his fantasy value?
A3: Potentially — while his target volume is high, a lingering hip issue might limit his route effectiveness, snap count, or explosiveness. Still, if active, he carries notable upside.
Q4: What are Chris Olave’s strengths as a receiver?
A4: His primary strengths are elite route running and separation, reliable hands, excellent ball tracking, burst off the line, and overall awareness.
Q5: What are his weaknesses or risks?
A5: He is not a particularly physical receiver, may struggle against press coverage or when battling bigger defensive backs, and his top-end speed is good but not elite. Injury concerns, such as the current hip issue, also represent risk.
Q6: How should fantasy managers treat him this week?
A6: If he’s confirmed active and practices well, treat him as a starter or high-end WR2. But be cautious; monitor final injury designations and consider having a backup in case he’s limited or downgraded.
Conclusion
Chris Olave is one of the most talented receivers in the NFL when healthy. His combination of precision route running, dependable hands, and ability to generate separation make him a foundational piece for the Saints’ passing game. While the hip injury and limited practice participation raise some concerns, the current consensus is that he is likely to play in Week 7.
Fantasy managers and Saints fans alike should monitor practice participation and official designations closely. If he plays, Olave remains a high-upside asset — though not without risk. And over the long term, his skill set suggests a bright trajectory, provided he can maintain health and refine his physical game.
