With Chris Olave Sidelined, Who Will Step up in the Saints’ WR Room?
The New Orleans Saints are grappling with a tough season, marked by a 2-7 record and a seven-game losing streak that has all but extinguished their playoff hopes. The team has struggled on both sides of the ball, with offensive inconsistencies compounding defensive lapses. While a playoff run appears unlikely, the Saints have an opportunity to refocus on player development, resilience, and tactical adjustments that could build momentum for future seasons. This mindset could also inspire younger talents to seize the moment and gain valuable experience in high-stakes situations as the team looks to end the season strong.
In the immediate term, the Saints must adapt to losing wide receiver Chris Olave, who was placed on injured reserve due to a concussion. Olave’s absence removes the Saints' leading pass-catcher, creating a significant gap in an offense already struggling to find consistency. As the Saints adjust, they will need key players to step up to maintain competitiveness, even if the playoff picture remains out of reach. With Olave sidelined, the team is eyeing a combination of experienced receivers and emerging talents to fill his role.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a recent addition to the Saints' roster, is expected to shoulder a significant portion of Olave’s responsibilities. Known for his speed and deep-threat ability, Valdes-Scantling has experience stretching the field, which could help the Saints maintain a vertical passing game. His veteran presence could provide quarterback Derek Carr with a stable and reliable target in the coming games. However, the Saints will also look for consistency from Valdes-Scantling, as he will need to elevate his game to meet the demands left by Olave’s absence.
Cedrick Wilson Jr., another receiver with NFL experience, could also see a notable uptick in targets as the Saints adapt their offense. Wilson has proven reliable in short and intermediate routes, potentially filling a complementary role to Valdes-Scantling's deep-play style. His route-running and hands make him an attractive target for Carr, especially in critical third-down situations. With Wilson’s familiarity in both slot and outside receiver roles, he offers versatility that could be key as the Saints diversify their attack to keep defenses on edge.
The Saints’ coaching staff may also give increased playing time to younger wide receivers Mason Tipton and Jermaine Jackson. Both Tipton and Jackson have shown promise in limited snaps, and with Olave sidelined, they have a prime opportunity to make their mark. Jackson, a rookie known for his quickness, may contribute in shorter passing schemes designed to maximize yards after the catch. Tipton, who has also made strides in training, could bring energy and fresh legs to the Saints’ lineup, offering Carr additional options to distribute the ball.
With the wide receiver depth being tested, the Saints may also shift focus to their running game, led by Alvin Kamara, to alleviate the pressure on Carr. Still, the emphasis remains on the team’s wideouts to carry Olave’s torch to help sustain drives and produce scoring opportunities. Ultimately, while Olave’s absence poses a significant challenge, the Saints’ diverse receiving corps has the potential to rise to the occasion. This upcoming stretch of games will be crucial for New Orleans, as they test the adaptability and depth of their offensive lineup in the push to end the season on a positive note.
