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Chris Olave leaves Saints-Bucs game after violent helmet-to-helmet hit during play that leads to Bucs defensive TD
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Chris Olave leaves Saints-Bucs game after violent helmet-to-helmet hit during play that leads to Bucs defensive TD

Chris Olave left Sunday's game with a concussion after this goal by Zyon McCollum. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chris Olave left Sunday’s game with a concussion after this goal by Zyon McCollum. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave left Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a violent helmet-to-helmet hit.

The hit came in the first quarter of Sunday’s game on a play that resulted in a fumble that Tampa Bay recovered for a touchdown.

With the Buccaneers ahead, 7-0 in the first quarter, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler looked to Olave in the flat on second-and-15. Olave caught the ball with cornerback Tykee Smith in coverage. Cornerback Zyon McCollum was behind the play and targeted Olave for a tackle.

McCollum lowered his helmet and made direct contact with Olave’s helmet with the top of his head. Smith knocked the ball out for a fumble just before the goal, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. picked up the ball and returned it untouched for a touchdown to extend Tampa Bay’s lead to 14–0.

A repeat angle shows the direct helmet-to-helmet contact.

The goal was a clear personal foul, but the referees failed to mark the penalty. Instead of a Saints first down that would have come with a penalty, the Bucs scored a touchdown to double their lead. Olave slowly stood up and eventually walked to the medical tent on the sideline before heading to the Saints locker room.

The Saints ruled Olave out with a concussion shortly after he left the game, leaving New Orleans without their top receiver for the rest of the game.