Saints rookie Olave lone bright spot on struggling offense - New Orleans Saints Blog- ESPN

LONDON — New Orleans Saints rookie receiver Chris Olave was supposed to be just one of the new offensive puzzle pieces this season.

This week he might be the only piece.

Olave could be one of the few playmakers left standing following the Saints' 22-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers last week. As the Saints (1-2) head into a game against the Minnesota Vikings (2-1) on Sunday (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network) in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they'll do so with injuries to wide receivers Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, Tre’Quan Smith and Deonte Harty, all of whom left Sunday's game early or did not play.

Quarterback Jameis Winston, running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Taysom Hill are also dealing with their own injuries, leaving Olave as one of the few healthy viable targets. Winston has struggled through back and ankle injuries, compiling 858 passing yards but also throwing five interceptions in addition to taking 11 sacks through three games.

If Thomas and Landry are out, the Vikings game will be the biggest test of Olave's short career because he won't benefit from the defensive attention Thomas and Landry draw.

When asked about the team's confidence on stepping up if they can't go, he said the Saints would be up to the task.

«I mean, having them would be a huge plus, but if they can't go, I feel like we're real confident in our group and our offense», Olave said. «We're just going to keep getting better, and if they can go, it's going to be a huge plus, but if they can't, we're going to make up for that.»

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So far,