The Saints' Chris Olave and Taysom Hill are expected to return against the Chargers

METAIRIE, La. – New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and tight end Taysom Hill are expected to play this weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Neither player had an injury report on Friday's injury report, meaning they are ready to return.

Hill has missed five games this season with chest and rib injuries and most recently scored two touchdowns in the first half of a Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons before exiting with a broken rib. Olave suffered a concussion and missed the Saints' Week 7 game against the Denver Broncos.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr is doubtful as a potential emergency option for the second straight game, paving the way for rookie Spencer Rattler to make his third start. Saints coach Dennis Allen said Carr recently started throwing after suffering an oblique injury against the Kansas City Chiefs, but recently said they are targeting Carr's return next week.

“Obviously the expectation was to get the guys back that you had projected to be starters, and some of these guys in particular are kind of key cogs in what we do offensively,” Allen said. “Hopefully we can get most of these guys back and be more consistent on offense. We did some good things, we moved the ball at times, but then we made some crucial mistakes that cost us.” . Hopefully this will help us get better.

The Saints will also have two starting offensive linemen back from injury. Guard Cesar Ruiz missed four games with a knee problem and guard/center Lucas Patrick was sidelined two games with a pectoral injury. Starting linebacker Pete Werner (hamstring injury) is also ready to play after missing time.

According to Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, who recently spoke with WWL Radio, the Saints are dealing with an “avalanche” of injuries. Those injuries include an IR stint for starting center Erik McCoy and season-ending injuries to wide receiver/kick returner Rashid Shaheed and cornerback Paulson Adebo.

Adebo, who broke his hamstring last week against the Broncos, will be replaced by a team effort from Alontae Taylor and rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Wide receiver Cedric Wilson Jr. and offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri were the only players listed as out for the weekend. With the exception of Carr, no one had an injured status.