Chris Olave trending toward return

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La – Not much changed for the New Orleans Saints between Thursday and Friday’s practices. The same group of players were missing and wide receiver Chris Olave continues to get involved.

After catching passes with trainers on Thursday, Olave was a bit more involved but certainly still limited. The wideout is continuing to get back into the swing of things. It remains unlikely that he’ll return against the Green Bay Packers on Monday, and may not even return to the field this season. But the Saints aren’t closing the door on a potential return.

Here is the attendance from the portion of Friday’s practice that was open to the media.

Not Seen:

QB Derek Carr (Left Hand/Concussion)

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chest)

WR Bub Means (Ankle)

RB Alvin Kamara (Groin)

DE Chase Young (Illness)

While Interim head coach Darren Rizzi maintains that the team is indeed keeping all options on the table open for Carr, his lack of attendance at practice also speaks loudly, at least for this week. Everything we’re hearing in the background is that it would be a surprise if Carr returned to the field this season, but that doesn’t mean he should be trying to prove those expectations wrong. The expectation right now is that rookie passer Spencer Rattler will lead the way for the remaining games, starting with the Packers on Monday.

Rizzi also said on Thursday that Valdes-Scantling probably could have practiced, but they held him out to be safe after taking a scary hit against the Washington Commanders. That may have been the same case on Friday, but the afternoon’s injury report will help clarify.

Kamara isn’t expected to be available on Monday, so it will be second-year rusher Kendre Miller that will be in a more featured role this week. Kamara’s groin injury has put him in a week-by-week situation for now.