The New Orleans Saints will play without their top two wide receivers Thursday night — and possibly beyond.
On Wednesday, the team ruled Chris Olave out against the visiting Denver Broncos due to a concussion and announced that Rashid Shaheed will undergo knee surgery.
The short week made it tough for Olave to clear concussion protocol, while Shaheed needs meniscus surgery. During surgery, a decision will be made whether to trim the meniscus or whether it requires a full repair. The latter would end Shaheed’s season.
Olave, 24, was injured on a helmet-to-helmet hit during the first quarter of Sunday’s 51-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He fumbled after the hit by safety Tykee Smith and the ball was recovered and returned 58 yards for a touchdown by Antoine Winfield Jr.
Olave ranks second on the Saints (2-4) in both receptions (23) and receiving yards (280) through six starts. The 2022 first-round pick eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons.
Shaheed, 26, leads the Saints in targets (41), yards (349) and touchdown receptions (three). The speedster is also averaging a league-best 15.9 yards per punt return and 28.5 yards per kick return, good for seventh in the NFL. He also returned a punt for a touchdown this season.
New Orleans’ top available receivers against the Broncos (3-3) and former coach Sean Payton include Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Mason Tipton.
Quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) is listed as doubtful but did not practice all week and is not expected to be available. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler will start his second consecutive game.
The Saints have ruled out guard Cesar Ruiz (knee) and linebacker Pete Werner (hamstring) after they did not participate in practice all week.
–Field Level Media
