Chris Olave opens up about his recent drops and trade rumors
Posted October 19, 2025
Many were left disappointed by New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave's performance against the New England Patriots. None more than the man himself.
Following Thursday's practice, the former first-round pick expressed that it's a tough situation. "You take out a few plays, it's a great game. But those few plays were terrible," Olave said to the media. "A lot of opportunities, like I said, we have to take advantage of, especially on my part. I just have to do a better job... it's weird when I drop one ball, especially two in a game, but I'm going to get back on track."
Against the Patriots, Olave had at least two drops, which is out of the ordinary for the normally sure-fired receiver. The timing of two of the drops, one near a pylon on third down and the other on a routine play on second and seven, was also a shot to the gut for the team. However, on the day, his performance was the best he's done all season, with six catches for 98 yards.
Saints WR Chris Olave shuts down trade rumors
So far through six weeks, Olave has had a rather underwhelming season, for lack of a better word. When you look at the numbers, you can also understand the wide receiver's frustrations this year. He's the second most targeted receiver in the National Football League with 61; however, he's only fifth in the league with receptions with 39. At his current pace, he won't even hit 1,000 yards receiving this season.
All of this has only added fuel to the fire in terms of trade rumors. However, earlier this week, Olave effectively put those rumors to rest. "There's always rumors on the internet, people trying to create some buzz," the wide receiver said to the media. "But I've had conversations with people in the building, so i'm real confident (about not being traded)."
Olave also added that he's using his drops on Sunday as motivation for the upcoming game in Chicago. "I’m just trying to prove myself right at the end of the day," the wide receiver said to the media. "I’ve just got to take advantage of it and make the play when the ball comes my way.”
BREAKING: NFL Announces Punishment for 49ers Star After Buccaneers Loss
Fan Francisco 49ers veteran Trent Williams will be a little light in his wallet after the latest fines from the NFL came out on October 18 for Week 6. The 49ers fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the league gave Williams a significant financial penalty.
Developed in collaboration with the NFL Players Association, the report details game-related rule violations that could lead to accountability actions, aiming to protect players while maintaining competitive balance and the integrity of the game.
After the NFL released its Game Accountability report for Week 6, it was revealed that Williams was fined for unnecessary roughness on an incident away from the play. Because of this play, Williams received an $11,593 fine from the league.
Mac Jones to Start Again for the 49ers
Williams will need to put this fine behind him as he will be blocking for Mac Jones once again. Brock Purdy will have to
wait at least another week before returning from his toe injury.
The quarterback practiced for the first time since aggravating the issue in the team’s Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but his progress wasn’t enough to get him back in the starting lineup. Purdy was limited in all three practices this week, so Mac Jones will make his fifth start of the season, with Adrian Martinez backing him up.
“[Purdy] was able to get out there and throw more,” Shanahan said (h/t Nick Wagoner of ESPN). “I thought it was definitely a step further ahead than it was last week, so going the right direction.”
Purdy has been working his way back from a toe injury. However, he isn’t the only signal caller that the 49ers should be worryingabout as Jones has been dealing with some health issues. After being listed as questionable last week with knee and oblique soreness, Jones was a full participant in practice on October 16 and
October 17 and is expected to play.
49ers QB Mac Jones Will Have a New Target
With Jones returning under center, he will also have a new target to get the football to when the 49ers take on the Atlanta Falcons. San Francisco
are set to get a big boost Sunday night, as tight end George Kittle is expected to return from a hamstring injury for their matchup against the Falcons.
“George has rehabbed really well,” Shanahan said. “He came back 100 percent and had a good week of practice, so we’ll space it out throughout the game, but no pitch count.”
Kittle was a full participant in practice on October 17 and no longer carries an injury designation, signaling he’s ready to return. The tight end had been sidelined for the past five games while recovering from a torn hamstring, though the injury wasn’t severe enough to pull the muscle completely off the bone.
It will be interesting to see Kittle’s connection with Jones and whether or not that can hit the ground running against Atlanta. After losing against Tampa Bay and seeing how tight the NFC West is, the 49ers need a win in Week 7. Another loss could complicate a push to win the division.
