The New Orleans Saints may have to wait until the last minute to find out if two key players will be available for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
The four Saints labeled as questionable ahead of this game were wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) and defensive end Cam Jordan (ankle). Olave is still in concussion protocol, but he was a full participant for the first time all week on Friday. Jordan, on the other hand, did not practice this week, though coach Dennis Allen stated that the veteran would be given every opportunity to play if he is physically capable.
Olave and Jordan were listed as questionable along with kicker Blake Grupe (groin) and center Eric McCoy (shoulder).
Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (thigh), running back Kendre Miller (ankle), linebacker Pete Werner (shoulder/oblique), and safety Marcus Maye (shoulder) were also ruled out by the Saints.
Allen stated that “there’s a chance” Olave will be cleared of the concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s game.
Olave missed an Oct. 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals last year after being rated as questionable due to a concussion. Unlike in the past, when Olave could only work on Thursday and Friday, the wide receiver was able to return to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday.
“There’s still a step that has to take place here (for Olave to clear the protocol),” Allen went on to say. “There’s a chance he can clear, so we’ll just have to see.”
If Jordan is unable to play, he will miss only the second game of his career due to injury. The first was last season, when he was ruled out with a fractured orbital bone prior to New Orleans’ game against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 20. He came back a week later.
Allen, on the other hand, stated that the Saints will “go all the way up to the last minute” to see if Jordan can play. Allen went on to say that the eight-time Pro Bowler has been “working extremely hard” to be available, and that he’ll be there if he can suit up and play well.
“There are certain guys that I think have enough experience in our league, that can go out (and play without practice), particularly a guy like Cam that’s been in the system for a long time, that’s all based on the individual,” Allen was quoted as saying.
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