Saints WR Chris Olave Considers Wearing Guardian Cap

METAIRIE, La. — New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave said he is considering wearing a Guardian Cap in this weekend’s game against the Carolina Panthers after suffering a concussion in Week 6.

A Guardian Cap is a type of padding worn over the helmet with the purpose of reducing the risk of concussions and head injuries during play. At the annual league meeting in March, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that the use of the caps has reduced concussions by 52%. Most players are required to wear them in practice and have the option to wear them in a game if they choose.

“I’m still considering it. I was considering last game, ended up going with the regular helmet,” Olave said Thursday.

Olave wore the Saints logo on his Guardian Cap in practice Wednesday, an indication he was considering wearing it in a game, but he did not have the logo on the cap during Thursday’s practice.

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 following game. He was ruled out of a Week 12 game against the Atlanta Falcons last year with a concussion, but played the next 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 rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. The ball was fumbled and returned for a touchdown when Olave stayed 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 took place just a few days later on a Thursday night against the Denver Broncos.

Olave took a shoulder to his 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 he returned to play in the game.

“I was a good man,” said Olave. “I know every big hit they check for concussions and stuff, especially with my history. I was good getting up though, so I knew I’d be able to go back in.”

Olave said wearing a Guardian Cap in the Chargers game was a consideration, but he switched to a new helmet instead. He said he didn’t know what type of helmet he has now, only that “it’s just the best helmet they have.”

“I just felt like I changed my helmet to the best helmet, so the hit I took in the game didn’t really hurt as much as it did with the other helmet,” Olave said. “When I changed the helmet, I felt that I would be good without the Guardian Cap.”

Several players throughout the league have chosen to wear Guardian Caps in games this year. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has opted not to wear one in the game after returning from a concussion that put him on injured reserve. Titans tight end Josh Whyle and linebacker Otis Reese IV are among those wearing them in games, as well as Buccaneers lineman Luke Goedeke. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was among a group of players who wore the cap in the preseason.