New Orleans Saints wideout Chris Olave will be sidelined for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons after being diagnosed with blood clots, league sources confirmed to The Athletic.

Olave shared an update on Instagram from a hospital bed, offering reassurance and perspective as he begins his recovery. “Thank you God for everything! Right where I need to be, life is full of unexpected twists & turns & I’m grateful to experience it. Chin up, chest out & keep it pushin. I don’t want ya sympathy just talk to God for me. Bounce back otw!”

Teammates, including quarterback Spencer Rattler and running back Devin Neal, responded with prayer emojis in support.

The Saints had previously listed Olave as out of Wednesday’s practice due to an illness.

The 25-year-old was highly productive down the stretch, delivering two of his best performances of the season. In Week 16 against the New York Jets, Olave recorded 10 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns, then followed that up in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans with eight catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. Despite missing the season finale, Olave set career-bests in receptions (100), yards (1,163) and touchdown catches (9).

Following last week’s win over the Tennessee Titans, Olave spoke openly about a personal milestone he hoped to reach.

“It means a lot, man. I think it’s going to be my first time in my NFL career playing 17. That was one of my goals, one of my main goals for this year is try to play all 17” he said.

“Playing through injuries, playing through all that, so I’m super grateful, like I said. I got to give all glory to God to be in this position. We just got to finish next week,” Olave said. Olave will fall short of his goal, but his impact was undeniable for the team, which has won four straight.

For the first time in his NFL career, Chris Olave says he will play the entire 17-game season #Saints. He was sidelined over the years with concussions and other injuries. pic.twitter.com/lA313CgqtG

— Farrah Yvette (@farrah_yvette) December 28, 2025

Sunday’s Saints‑Falcons game still matters for NFC South permutations. Tampa Bay (7-9) must beat Carolina (8-8) and have New Orleans (6-10) defeat Atlanta (7-9) for the Bucs to keep their playoff hopes alive. If Tampa Bay and Atlanta both win, a three‑way tie would give Carolina the division.