Saints’ Chris Olave considering wearing Guardian Cap for Week 9 game following concussion suffered in Week 6
METAIRIE, Louisiana — The US wide receiver with Cuban roots New Orleans Saints, Chris Olavesaid that are considering using a Guardian Cap in this week’s game against the Carolina Panthers after suffering a concussion in Week 6.
This cap is a type of padding worn over the helmet with the intention of reducing the risk of concussions and head injuries during the game. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said use of Guardian Caps has reduced concussions by 52% at the league’s annual meeting in March. Most players must use them in practice and have the option to use them in a game if they wish.
“I’m still considering it. I was considering it last game; I ended up wearing the regular helmet,” Olave said Thursday.
Olave was wearing the Saints logo on his Guardian Cap at practice on Wednesday, which was an indication that he was considering wearing it in a game, but he did not have the logo on his cap during practice on Thursday.
Olave has missed two games in his NFL career due to concussions. He suffered a concussion in his rookie season in 2022 in Week 5 and missed the next game. He was ruled out of a Week 12 game against the Atlanta Falcons last year with a concussion, but played the following week.
Olave’s most recent concussion occurred in the first quarter of a Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave was hit in the helmet area after catching a pass from the rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. The ball was fumbled and returned for a touchdown while Olave remained on the ground. He eventually got up and was checked for a concussion before going to the locker room, where he was ruled out of the game.
Olave did not play in the Saints’ next game, which occurred just a few days later, on a Thursday night against the Denver Broncos.
Olave bruised his shoulder in the helmet area when he returned to play against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. He was taken to the injury tent and checked for a concussion, but returned to play in the game.
“I was good,” Olave said. “I know every time I take a big hit, they check for concussions and things like that, especially with my history. But I felt good when I got up, so I knew I was going to be able to play again.”
Olave said he considered wearing a Guardian cap in the game against the Chargers, but switched to a new helmet instead. He said he didn’t know what kind of helmet he has now, only that “it’s the best helmet they have.”
“I felt like I had traded my helmet for the best helmet, so the hit I took in the game didn’t hurt as much as it did with the other helmet,” Olave said. “Once I changed helmets, I felt like I’d be fine without the Guardian cap.”
Several players around the league have opted to wear the Guardian Cap in games this year. The quarterback of the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoahas opted not to use it in the game after returning from a concussion that landed him on injured reserve. Tennessee Titans tight end Josh Whyleand the linebacker Otis Reese IV are among the players who wear it in games, as well as Buccaneers lineman, Luke Goodeke. The Colts running back, Jonathan Taylorwas among a group of players who wore the caps in the preseason.
