A frightening injury to New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave during Sunday’s game has ignited a firestorm, with former teammate Michael Thomas publicly blaming quarterback Derek Carr for the play. Olave was hospitalized with a concussion after a hard hit, adding another layer of turmoil to a Saints team currently mired in a seven-game losing streak. The public dispute now casts a shadow over the team’s ability to recover its season.
The Play that Led to Olave’s Hospitalization
The concerning incident happened in the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers. Quarterback Derek Carr threw a high pass intended for Olave, which put the receiver in a vulnerable position. As he reached for the ball, Olave was hit hard by two Panthers defenders.
The impact left Chris Olave motionless on the field, prompting an immediate response from the medical team. He was carefully immobilized on a backboard and transported to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center for evaluation.
Fortunately, initial reports confirmed that Olave was conscious and had feeling in all his extremities after the collision. The team later confirmed he sustained a concussion.
Michael Thomas Blames Carr on Social Media
Shortly after the game, former Saints star receiver Michael Thomas did not hold back his feelings. He took to social media to directly criticize Derek Carr for the throw that led to the injury.
Thomas accused Carr of making poor decisions and dangerous throws that put his receivers at risk. He suggested the quarterback panics when under pressure. His posts included several key points of frustration:
- He claimed Carr’s throws consistently endanger receivers.
- He accused the quarterback of panicking under pressure.
- He called for the Saints to move on from Carr.
Thomas also criticized the Saints’ management, suggesting they were covering up for the quarterback’s flaws. His public outburst has created significant tension around the team.
Derek Carr’s Calm Response to the Accusations
When reporters asked Derek Carr about Michael Thomas’s comments, he responded with a calm and measured tone. He expressed that he was confused by the animosity coming from his former teammate.
Carr mentioned that he has tried to reach out to Thomas to clear the air but has not received a response.
He finished his comments by stating that his main priority is the team and focusing on how they can improve their performance. “My focus remains on winning games and being the best leader I can be for this team,” Carr stated, trying to steer the conversation away from the public feud.
More Trouble for a Struggling Saints Team
The loss to the Panthers was the Saints’ seventh straight defeat, sinking their season further into disappointment. This public conflict between a current and former player only adds to the team’s significant challenges.
Despite the loss, there were strong individual efforts. Running back Alvin Kamara had a standout game with 155 rushing yards and another 60 yards receiving. However, such performances have not been enough to break the team’s losing streak. The Saints must now navigate not only their on-field struggles but also the internal drama as they hope to salvage what’s left of their season.
