Chris Olave is expected to play for the New Orleans Saints on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens despite a hamstring injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported.
Olave is officially questionable. He was not on Wednesday’s injury report, then left Thursday’s practice early. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reported that the exit was precautionary. Olave was limited again Friday.
He is coming off a big opener. Olave caught 10 of 13 targets for a career-high 182 yards in a 31-30 overtime loss at Detroit.
He went to the sideline a few times during that game but was never listed as questionable to return. He told Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com afterward that he had dealt with calf cramping.
Last season, Olave set career highs with 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns.
Quarterback Tyler Shough leaned on him in Detroit. Shough completed 35 of 56 passes for 410 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Saints’ other injury question has resolved.
Running back Alvin Kamara was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury. He said Thursday that he feels great and has no limitations, according to Terrell. Coach Kellen Moore said Kamara should play.
Kamara’s return would cut into Travis Etienne Jr.’s role. Etienne ran nine times for 46 yards and drew nine targets in the opener.
If Olave is limited, receivers Devaughn Vele and Bryce Lance and tight end Juwan Johnson would see more work. Johnson missed Wednesday with an illness but carries no designation for Sunday.
Baltimore is also short at receiver. Zay Flowers is out with a hamstring injury.
The Ravens are coming off a 41-23 win at Indianapolis in which Derrick Henry ran for 144 yards and three touchdowns.
Kickoff is 1 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens’ home opener. Inactives are due around 11:30 a.m. ET.
Should Olave get through Sunday, the Saints return home for Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders at the Caesars Superdome on Sept. 27 at 4:25 p.m. ET.
