Chris Olave was on the field in uniform when the New Orleans Saints opened 2026 training camp on July 29, 2026, but he did not take part in the 7-on-7 or full-team drills during a roughly 75-minute session.
The reason was not disciplinary or injury-related. Saints coach Kellen Moore said the decision was tied to the business side of the situation, as the team and Olave’s representation continued working through contract-extension talks.
“It’s just respecting the business side of this thing,” Moore said. He added that everyone involved had handled the process well, saying there were no issues as the sides worked through it.
For the Saints, Olave’s presence still mattered. He was at camp and in uniform, which showed he was around the team as the negotiations continued. But staying out of the competitive periods on the first day also underscored how carefully the Saints are handling one of their top receivers while the contract situation remains unresolved.
What it means for the Saints
Olave has already established himself as a key part of the offense, so any decision to limit his practice work draws attention. In this case, the situation appears aimed at keeping him available while the team and player work toward an extension. That is a practical move early in camp, especially when the goal is to avoid unnecessary risk during the opening days of preparation.
Olave was not the only notable camp storyline. During the Saints’ summer program, Jordyn Tyson had been limited almost exclusively to individual position work. Moore said patience is difficult for a player who wants to compete, but that Tyson understood the process. He also said Tyson would love to run a lot of routes and catch a lot of balls, but knows the team is working through it step by step.
Tyler Shough also spoke about Tyson, saying, “The ability is there; he’s got all the talent in the world.” Shough added that Tyson wants to be great and understands there is still much more ahead, even after being drafted in the first round. Tyson is 21 years old and, as Shough put it, has every right to feel like he has already made it.
The first day of camp did not bring a major surprise, but it did clarify how the Saints are managing one of their most important players. Olave was present, available and watching closely, while the team handled the contract process with caution as training camp got underway.
