METAIRIE, La. – New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave said he is considering wearing a Guardian Cap in this weekend’s game against the Carolina Panthers after suffering a concussion in Week 6.

A Guardian Cap is a type of padding worn over the helmet with the intention of reducing the risk of concussion and head injuries while playing. At the annual league meeting in March, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the use of the caps has reduced concussions by 52%. Most players are required to wear these during practice and have the option to wear them during a game if they wish.

“I’m still thinking about it. I considered the last game and finally went with the regular helmet,” Olave said Thursday.

Olave wore the Saints logo on his Guardian Cap during training on Wednesday, an indication that he was considering wearing it during a game, but he did not have the logo on the cap during Thursday’s training.

Olave has missed two games in his NFL career due to a concussion. He suffered a concussion in Week 5 in his rookie season in 2022 and missed the next game. He was ruled out of a Week 12 game against the Atlanta Falcons last year due to a concussion, but played the following week.

Olave’s most recent concussion occurred in the first quarter of a Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave was hit in the helmet area after catching a pass from rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. The ball was fumbled and returned for a touchdown while Olave remained on the ground. He eventually got up and was checked for a concussion before heading to the locker room, where he was ruled out of the match.

Olave did not play in the Saints’ next game, which took place just a few days later, on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos.

Olave took a shoulder to his helmet area when he returned to play against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. He was taken to the injury tent and checked for a concussion, but returned to play in the match.

“I was a good man,” Olave said. “I know every big hit they check for concussions and stuff, especially with my history. I was good when I got up though, so I knew I could go back in.”

Olave said wearing a Guardian Cap in the Chargers game was a consideration, but he switched to a new helmet instead. He said he didn’t know what type of helmet he has now, only that “it’s just the best helmet they have.”

“I just felt like I changed my helmet to the best helmet, so the hit I got in the game didn’t hurt as much as the other helmet,” Olave said. “Once I changed helmets, I felt like I would do fine without the Guardian Cap.”

Several players in the league have chosen to wear Guardian Caps during matches this year. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa opted not to wear one during the game after returning from a concussion that put him on injured reserve. Titans tight end Josh Whyle and linebacker Otis Reese IV are among those wearing them in games, as well as Buccaneers lineman Luke Goedeke. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was among a group of players who wore the caps in the preseason.