New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Chris Olave exited the team's Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and has been ruled out with a concussion.

Olave took a big hit from Buccaneers defenders early in the first quarter, where Tampa Bay defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. scooped up the fumble for a 58-yard fumble return touchdown. Olave walked off the field, and headed straight to the blue tent. He later made it to the locker room for further evaluation, but was later ruled out for the remainder of the Week 6 contest with the Bucs.

This could potentially force Olave to be sidelined at least an additional game when the Saints host the Denver Broncos in Week 7. That game will be the Thursday Night Football matchup, so the short week only worsens Olave's status.

The Saints get thinner offensively during Buccaneers game

Related New Orleans Saints NewsArticle continues below
Saints rumors: Derek Carr’s injury forcing retirement raises eyebrows in NOLA
Saints rumors: Derek Carr’s injury forcing retirement raises eyebrows in NOLA
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts to a play on the sidelines against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Caesars Superdome.
Saints’ Derek Carr ghosting questions about surprise retirement
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) after a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at Caesars Superdome.
Saints rumors: Derek Carr ‘flirted’ with at least 2 other teams before retiring

The news is devastating for the Saints, and their fans. Not only because of the potential that Olave had for this matchup, but for the crux of the Saints' season. They already entered this game without Derek Carr, who suffered an oblique injury in Week 5. But Olave had a ton of steam because of Spencer Rattler getting the start. The rookie quarterback had singled out Olave earlier in the week, signaling that he'd be his primary target against the Buccaneers.

Without Olave, head coach Dennis Allen is pressed to see someone step up. He will have to lean extra on Rashid Shaheed, Alvin Kamara and tight ends Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau.

The Saints have undoubtedly been bitten by the injury bug after their phenomenal opening to the season. They lost three-straight games after a 2-0 start. They will have to find a way to recover in a hurry ahead of their matchup with the Broncos on Thursday Night Football.