The New Orleans Saints are heading into Sunday with a much-needed dose of optimism as wide receiver Chris Olave is now trending toward playing against the Miami Dolphins. Despite being listed as questionable with a back injury suffered during the week, the team has grown increasingly confident about his availability.
On Wednesday, Olave left practice, per the update by the head coach, Kellen Moore. And he was expected to be going in the wrong direction in terms of Sunday’s game against Miami. But here is the relieving update.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X that the Saints expect Olave to suit up, a crucial development for an offense already dealing with the loss of Alvin Kamara.
Olave’s week started with concern when back spasms forced him out of Wednesday’s practice. He sat out entirely on Thursday, raising real doubts about whether he would be able to recover in time. However, his limited return to the field on Friday shifted the tone inside the building.
Team reporters and league insiders began signaling growing optimism, culminating in Schefter’s update that New Orleans is preparing as if their top receiver will play. While the back issue remains something to monitor, especially given how unpredictable spasms can be, Olave’s trending availability brings a stabilizing force to a receiving corps that needs his route running and rhythm.
Chris Olave has been one of the most consistent parts of the Saints’ offense in the 2025 season. He has produced steady numbers despite the team’s injuries and instability. Through the year, he has recorded 69 receptions for 734 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.
These totals put him at an average of 6.3 catches and roughly 66.7 yards per game, a level of production that reflects both his reliability and his central role in the passing attack. StatMuse data reinforces the same yardage trend, showing how frequently the Saints lean on him to keep drives alive.
If he is active on Sunday, he is expected to remain a central part of the game plan, even if his snap count or usage is moderated depending on how his back responds during warmups and early action.