The Indianapolis Colts made headlines at the NFL trade deadline by acquiring star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets. However, just three games into his Colts career, Gardner is facing an injury.
In a recent game against the Houston Texans, Gardner left the field early with a calf injury. It happened while he was trying to cover tight end Cade Stover. Although he initially continued playing, he soon limped off the field, needing assistance. He went into the medical tent before being spotted in street clothes and a walking boot later in the game. The Colts ruled him out for the rest of the match.
After the game, Gardner mentioned that he is dealing with a calf strain, describing it as feeling “like I got shot in the leg.” Thankfully, he reassured fans that he’s not worried about his Achilles tendon. He will have more tests soon, but he hopes to return sooner rather than later.
Since he joined the NFL in 2022, Gardner has quickly made a name for himself. He won the Defensive Rookie of the Year and has been named a First-team All-Pro both years. Known for his consistency, he had only missed three games in his first three seasons before this injury.
The Colts started strong this season, but the Texans’ recent victory shifted the momentum. Despite the loss, the Colts are still in a solid playoff position, though Gardner’s injury makes their situation more precarious.
Here’s a bit of context: injuries among key players can significantly impact a team’s performance. A study by the NFL Injury Data Center revealed that teams without their top defensive players see a 25% drop in performance on that side of the ball. This emphasizes Gardner’s importance to the Colts.
Fans on social media have expressed mixed feelings about the trade. While many are excited about Gardner’s potential, others are worried about his injury status affecting the team’s playoff chances.
As the Colts navigate this challenge, all eyes will be on Gardner’s recovery and the team’s ability to maintain their footing in a competitive playoff race. Whether or not they can adapt without their star cornerback remains to be seen.
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Sauce Gardner, Colts, Houston Texans, calf strain, NFL, calf injury, New York Jets, Cade Stover, Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor
