Thomas, who is currently a free agent, caught passes from Carr last season while he was in New Orleans. After a handful of injury-ravaged seasons, Thomas had just 448 receiving yards and one touchdown, far fewer than the numbers he put up from 2016 to 2019.

Carr explained that despite what Thomas had to say, the play was performed as the Saints designed it.

“It was a single-high, the ball went where we talked about it and unfortunately Chris got hit in the head,” Carr said. “It happens in our game and I would never do it on purpose. I didn’t put him in a bad light… When it comes to the football aspect, I really don’t have an answer.”

Olave is New Orleans’ leading receiver so far this season with 400 yards and a touchdown and also led the team in receiving yards the last two seasons. Unfortunately for the Saints, they will have to find a replacement elsewhere until Olave can play.

After two blowout wins to start the year, the Saints struggled, losing seven straight games. A loss to the Panthers could perhaps be rock bottom for New Orleans.