BREAKING: Saints Availability Updates Ahead of Week 15 Giants Tilt
Saturday night ahead of the New Orleans Saints matchup with the New York Giants, the expected game status for Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and running back Jamaal Williams have been updated,
Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football,, Olave is expected to be a game-time decision on Sunday, while ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter shared that Williams is expected to play. The potential loss of their young star wideout will loom large, even though the team will welcome back fellow receiver Rashid Shaheed.
Chris Olave reacts after a big catch against the Carolina Panthers.
Sep 25, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) reacts after catching the ball in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
This could be Olave’s first game missed of the year if it is determined that he cannot go, He currently has 72 receptions with 918 receiving yards and 4 touchdown receptions, all of which led the team.
With Williams expected to play, the Saints will have their full complement of rushers available. Between he, fellow running back Alvin Kamara and the ever-expansive Taysom Hill, the ground game would be in good shape.
Last year’s NFL rushing touchdowns leader has not been put in position to replicate his previous production in New Orleans by any stretch, but did have his best game as a Saint last week against the Carolina Panthers. Despite his low rushing numbers (just 63 carries for 190 rushing yards) the former Detroit Lion has been integral as a pass protector delivering clutch blocks leading to big plays and even touchdown strikes.
It stands to reason that New Orleans will lean on its fully healthy and available run game against the Giants who rank No 29 in rushing defense. But the Saints are unlikely to be deterred from going to the air even without Olave thanks to Shaheed and receivers Lynn Bowden and A.T. Perry. This would be a good week to maintain tight end Jimmy Graham’s red zone presence as well. But certainly being with your star wideout is world’s better than being without.
