Two key pieces to the Saints offense are literal game changers.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox examined some injured NFL standouts—that are returning from injury—who are expected to participate in training camp. New Orleans Saints wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are among his most anticipated returns.
Olave and Shaheed were a big part of the reason that the Saints started out 2-0 last year, with them combining for 14 receptions for 261 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, as other parts of the offense would get injured, so would they. It was really an epidemic last year in New Orleans.
But thankfully, both have had a healthy offseason. And with Kellen Moore’s offense—one that won the Super Bowl last year—they are bound to have a productive 2025.
Chris Olave’s health
Olave would suffer two concussions in 2024, causing him to miss a majority of the season. That caused him to have a huge down year, earning only 400 receiving yards and no touchdowns. Normally, he at least gets at least 1,000 receiving yards with a handful of touchdowns throughout a season.
He says it was tough because he’s never had to sit out as long as hestates that it was difficult for him because he has never had to sit out for such an extended period, but he is now prepared for the upcoming season.
“That was really my first major injury and sitting out eight or nine games was tough for me. Just not being able to go practice or go to meetings with my guys—that was the worst part. Olave said during minicamp. “But I feel like I’m ready. I was training and lifting and everything in December.”
Rashid Shaheed’s health
In week six against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Shaheed tore the meniscus in his left knee, ending his 2024 campaign. It was particularly devastating because, up to that point, he was arguably the Saints’ top receiver (he had 349 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the first six weeks) and on pace to have a career year.
This is the third knee injury of Shaheed’s career. Back at Weber State, he tore his ACL in the 2019 season and his MCL in the final game of his senior season in 2021.