Sauce Gardner Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Colts vs Jaguars game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Dec 1, 2025
Likely won't be placed on IR
The Colts are not considering placing Gardner (calf) on injured reserve at the moment, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Monday that Gardner's "Achilles is good," but the 25-year-old will still miss an undetermined amount of time due to a calf injury. Even so, Indianapolis is not expected to place the All-Pro corner on IR, which is an encouraging sign for his recovery timeline. Since being dealt to the Colts at the trade deadline, Gardner has appeared in three games and tallied 13 total tackles and two passes defensed. While he's sidelined, expect Mekhi Blackmon to start opposite Charvarious Ward in Indianapolis' secondary.
Dec 1, 2025
Set to miss time with calf strain
Gardner is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his calf Monday and is expected to miss some time, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Though Gardner was feared to have suffered an Achilles tear after going down on a non-contact play early in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Texans, preliminary tests have left him and the Colts confident that he avoided a worst-case scenario and instead sustained a calf strain. The MRI will confirm the extent of Gardner's injury, but at the very least, the star cornerback seems highly likely to miss the Colts' Week 14 game against the Jaguars. Through his first three games with Indianapolis since being acquired from the Jets at the trade deadline, Gardner has compiled 13 tackles (11 solo) and two passes defensed.
Nov 30, 2025
Achilles appears intact
Gardner is believed to have suffered a calf strain during Sunday's contest against the Texans, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner's Achilles appears to be intact, a fortunate report after the cornerback needed assistance returning to the locker room. Mekhi Blackmon will likely finish Sunday's game as the primary outside cornerback with Gardner being ruled out, but the starting corner may not be absent as long as initially feared.
Nov 30, 2025
Won't return Sunday
Gardner (calf) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Texans, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis report.
ANALYSIS
Gardner had to be helped to the locker room early in the first quarter after sustaining a calf injury, which is severe enough for him to not return. Mekhi Blackmon should see more work at outside corner the rest of the way.
Nov 30, 2025
Leaves Sunday's game early
Gardner (calf) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Gardner appeared to injure his calf on the Colts' second defensive play of the game, and the fourth-year cornerback was unable to walk off the field and into the locker room without assistance, per Stephen Holder of ESPN.com. With Johnathan Edwards (coach's decision) a healthy scratch, Mekhi Blackmon will move into the second outside corner spot opposite Charvarius Ward.
Nov 25, 2025
Seven solo stops
Gardner recorded seven tackles (seven solo) with one pass defensed in Sunday's 23-20 overtime loss to the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Gardner has had his two most productive games of the season since joining the Colts, logging a combined 13 tackles -- 11 of which have been solo. He also has one pass defensed in each of those matchups.
Nov 11, 2025
Productive in debut
Gardner recorded six tackles (four solo) and a pass defended during Indianapolis' win over the Falcons on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Gardner had a strong outing in his debut with the Colts, as he racked up a season-high six tackles. However, Drake London did get by him to score a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. Gardner will look to build on this performance and continue producing following the team's upcoming bye week.
Nov 6, 2025
Clears concussion protocol
The Colts announced Thursday that Gardner has cleared the concussion protocol, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner appears all set to make his team debut Sunday versus Atlanta, though it remains to be seen how much of a role he'll have while still in the process of picking up a new defensive scheme. The Colts acquired Gardner in a trade with the Jets on Tuesday, in exchange for a pair of future first-round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Nov 5, 2025
Logs full practice Wednesday
Gardner (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Prior to his trade to the Colts, Gardner was diagnosed with a concussion during the Jets' Week 7 loss to the Panthers, which caused him to be sidelined for Week 8. His ability to practice in full Wednesday is a sign that he is progressing through the league's five-step concussion protocol, but he'll need to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to make his Colts debut against the Falcons on Sunday.
Nov 5, 2025
Practicing Wednesday
Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters that Gardner (concussion) will practice Wednesday, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Before being traded from the Jets to the Colts on Tuesday, Gardner sustained a concussion in New York's Week 8 win over the Bengals. Steichen added that Gardner will make his Colts debut in the Week 10 matchup against the Falcons in Berlin only if he clears the NFL's five-step concussion protocol by game time.
Nov 4, 2025
Headed for Indianapolis
The Colts acquired Gardner (concussion) from the Jets on Tuesday in exchange for two first-round draft picks, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The 1-7 Jets were one of the teams expected to be active around the trade deadline in the midst of a non-contending season, but dealing away the star cornerback -- who is under contract through 2030 -- wasn't expected to be on the table. The addition of Gardner gives a massive facelift to a secondary that been one of the few weak spots for a surprise 7-2 Colts squad that now looks to be a formidable contender in the AFC. Gardner had missed the Jets' Week 8 win over the Bengals due to a concussion before the team went on bye Week 9, but he could clear the five-step protocol in the coming days to make his Colts debut this Sunday versus Atlanta.
Oct 24, 2025
Ruled out for Week 8
Gardner (concussion) won't play Sunday against the Bengals, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner will sit out after sustaining a concussion in the Jets' Week 7 loss to the Panthers. Jarvis Brownlee or Qwan'tez Stiggers figure to draw the start at outside cornerback opposite Brandon Stephens against Cincinnati's fearsome receiving corps. Gardner will have extra time to clear the league's five-step concussion protocol with the Jets on bye in Week 9.
Oct 22, 2025
Opens week with DNP
Gardner (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Gardner entered the league's concussion protocol following the Jets' 13-6 loss to the Panthers in Week 7. He'll have two more opportunities to practice this week, though he would have to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to play against the Bengals on Sunday. Jarvis Brownlee would likely start at outside corner if Gardner is not cleared to play.
Oct 19, 2025
Diagnosed with concussion
Head coach Aaron Glenn said after Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Panthers that Gardner has entered the league's concussion protocol, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner took a hit to the head during the second half of Sunday's game. Now that he's in the league's five-step concussion protocol, Gardner would have to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to be available for the Jets' Week 8 road clash against the Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 26. Jarvis Brownlee would be the next man up at outside corner if Gardner were to miss time.
Oct 19, 2025
Being evaluated for concussion
Gardner (head) is being evaluated for a concussion Sunday versus the Panthers, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner took a blow to the head in the second half of Sunday's matchup with Carolina, and his status for the rest of the game is now uncertain. In his absence, Jarvis Brownlee is a top candidate to see an increase in workload at cornerback.
Sep 26, 2025
Not on injury report
Gardner (head) was a full participant in Friday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Gardner was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Buccaneers due to a head injury. He's logged back-to-back full practices to open the week and is on track to play in Monday's AFC East showdown against the Dolphins in Miami. Gardner has logged 10 tackles (seven solo) and three pass defenses through the first three games of the regular season.
Sep 21, 2025
Exits Sunday's game
Gardner is being evaluated for a head injury and is questionable to return.
ANALYSIS
Gardner appeared to suffer the injury while making a tackle in the fourth quarter and went to the locker room after being evaluated by trainers in the blue medical tent. With Tony Adams (hip) inactive, Qwan'tez Stiggers will likely see more work at outside corner for as long as Gardner is out of the game.
Sep 12, 2025
Cleared to face Buffalo
Gardner (groin) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Bills, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After it was previously reported that Gardner was limited in Friday's practice, he actually logged a full session and is cleared to play Sunday. Gardner played all 56 defensive snaps against the Steelers last Sunday, recording a pair of tackles and two pass breakups. He'll see a lot of Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer against the Bills.
Sep 12, 2025
Limited Friday but expected to play
Gardner (groin) will be limited at practice again Friday, but head coach Aaron Glenn expects Gardner to play Sunday against the Bills, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner may wind up with a questionable designation when the Jets release game statuses for Sunday's home game against the Bills, but the star cornerback appears on track to suit up. Gardner would be sorely missed if he can't play, as free-agent acquisition Brandon Stephens struggled mightily across from Gardner in the Week 1 loss to the Steelers.
Sep 11, 2025
Added to injury report
Gardner (groin) was limited in practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner was not listed on Wednesday's injury report, but his status will now need to be monitored heading into Sunday's matchup against the Bills. The star cornerback's practice level Friday figures to determine whether or not he'll carry an official injury designation for Week 2.
Sep 4, 2025
Back to full Thursday
Gardner (fibula) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner's good to go after kicking off Week 1 prep with a limited practice session Wednesday. Barring a setback, the star cornerback will be available Week 1 against DK Metcalf and the Steelers.
Sep 3, 2025
Limited on Wednesday
Gardner (fibula) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner dealt with a calf issue earlier in the summer, and it's unclear when he picked up the fibula injury. However, a limited start to the practice week would seem to put Gardner on track to play in Sunday's Week 1 opener against the Steelers.
Aug 25, 2025
Expected to be fine for Week 1
Coach Aaron Glenn said Monday that Gardner (calf) is on track to play Week 1 against the Steelers on Sept. 7, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner has missed some time with a calf issue this month, but he returned to practice last week. The soon-to-be 25-year-old (Aug. 31) is hoping to return to his All-Pro form after landing a massive extension from the Jets this summer. Gardner won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and was named a first-team All-Pro each of his first two seasons before his play slipped some in 2024.
Aug 19, 2025
Practices on Tuesday
Gardner (calf) returned to practice Tuesday, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner missed some practice time last week and sat out the Jets' second preseason game this past Saturday. The newly-minted highest-paid cornerback is expected to be fine for New York's season opener against the Steelers on Sept. 7.
Aug 16, 2025
Still idle with calf soreness
Gardner (calf) didn't play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Giants, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Aaron Glenn said Gardner is still dealing with soreness in his calf. He missed practice most of this past week, but the severity of the injury isn't known. There's been no indication that Gardner is in jeopardy of missing Week 1 against the Steelers in three weeks.
Aug 13, 2025
Not practicing
Gardner (calf) sat out practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner is suffering from calf soreness and will have tests done, head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters. The 2022 fourth overall pick became the highest paid cornerback in July, and it is likely the Jets are being cautious with the leader of their secondary. He appeared in the first quarter of last Saturday's preseason opener in Green Bay, and his status is up in the air for this week's game against the Giants.
Jul 15, 2025
Becomes highest-paid corner
The Jets and Gardner agreed to terms on a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
In back-to-back days, the Jets have locked in two of their first-round picks from the 2022 Draft after WR Garrett Wilson agreed to a four-year extension Monday. This deal for Gardner includes $85.653 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, and also makes him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL in terms of average annual value. Through his first three pro seasons, Gardner has been a first-team All-Pro two times, though he does have only three interceptions among 41 pass defenses in 48 regular-season appearances. He'll continue to serve as a shut-down corner in New York's defense through the 2030 campaign.
Jun 10, 2025
Present at minicamp
Gardner is present for the Jets' mandatory minicamp, although he continues to seek a new deal, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he's coming off of a 2024 campaign in which he recorded 49 total tackles (36 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding nine passes defensed, one of which was an interception, over 15 regular-season games with the Jets. The cornerback is considered to be amongst the best in the league, and with Jaycee Horn and Derek Stingley amongst those resetting the market at their position this offseason, Gardner is looking to get a long-term deal as well.
Apr 30, 2025
Option officially picked up
The Jets exercised Gardner's fifth-year option Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Gardner has been one of the NFL's top cornerbacks since entering the league in 2022, so it's no surprise the Jets picked up his fifth-year option. The 24-year-old received first-team All-Pro honors in each of his first two seasons, tallying 132 total tackles, 31 passes defended, including two interceptions, and one forced fumble across 33 regular-season games during that span. Despite having the worst year of his career in 2024, Gardner is expected to bounce back and remain one of the league's defensive playmakers in 2025.
Apr 21, 2025
Will receive fifth-year option
Jets general manager Darren Mougey said Monday that the team intends to exercise the fifth-year options of Gardner (hamstring), Garrett Wilson and Jermaine Johnson (Achilles), Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner, Wilson and Johnson were all selected by New York in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and the Jets plan to extend all of their rookie contracts through 2026. The No. 4 overall pick of that draft year, Gardner's guaranteed base salary in 2026 will project at $20.1 million guaranteed, though he will work to negotiate a long-term extension before then. A hamstring injury forced Gardner to spend the final game of the 2024 regular season on IR, but he projects to be fully ready for the start of mandatory offseason activities.
Jan 4, 2025
Placed on injured reserve
The Jets placed Gardner (hamstring) on injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Gardner was already ruled out for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins due to a hamstring injury. His placement on IR opens up a spot on the Jets' 53-man roster for Bruce Hector. Gardner will end the 2024 regular season with 49 tackles (36 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and nine pass defenses (including one interception) across 15 games.
Jan 3, 2025
Ruled out for season finale
Gardner (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
D.J. Reed, Brandin Echols and Isaiah Oliver should see the bulk of the snaps at cornerback for the Jets in the Week 18 finale. Gardner has been dealing with the hamstring injury for weeks and was in and out of the game in Weeks 16 and 17. The No. 4 overall pick of the 2022 Draft, Gardner wraps up a disappointing third season with 49 tackles (36 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and nine pass breakups, including one interception.
Jan 1, 2025
Begins Week 18 prep with DNP
Gardner (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner first hurt his hamstring Week 16 versus the Rams. He was able to suit up this past Sunday versus Buffalo but departed early in the third quarter after aggravating the issue and was unable to return. Considering the nature of hamstring injuries, Gardner is at risk of missing Sunday's season finale against the Dolphins. Brandin Echols would likely step in and start if Gardner can't suit up.
Dec 29, 2024
Ruled out for remainder of Week 17
Gardner won't play for the remainder of Sunday's matchup against Buffalo due to a hamstring injury.
ANALYSIS
Gardner came into the weekend nursing a hamstring issue but was given the go-ahead to start against the Bills. However, the star cornerback appears to have aggravated the issue and was ruled out shortly after the start of the third quarter. Gardner finishes the contest with three tackles (all solo) and a defensed pass.
Dec 29, 2024
Given green light for Week 17
Gardner (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Despite not practicing all week, Gardner will return Sunday from a one-game absence due to a hamstring injury. The 2022 first-round pick will reclaim his starting spot at outside corner opposite D.J. Reed while Brandin Echols and Isaiah Oliver provide depth at the position. Gardner has logged 46 tackles (33 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and eight pass defenses (including one interception) across 14 regular-season games.
Dec 27, 2024
Could play Sunday
Gardner (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bills, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After exiting the Jets' Week 16 loss to the Rams with a hamstring injury, Gardner logged three consecutive DNPs during the team's week of practice. However, it still appears he has a chance to play in Sunday's divisional matchup. Gardner, a two-time All-Pro, would be a significant loss to the Jets' defense if he cannot play in Week 17. If sidelined, Qwan'tez Stiggers is expected to start opposite D.J. Reed as part of the Jets' top outside cornerback duo.
Dec 25, 2024
Estimated as DNP on Wednesday
Gardner (hamstring) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's estimated injury report, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter of the Jets' Week 16 loss to the Rams. Wednesday's report is an estimate as the Jets didn't practice, so the severity of his injury isn't clear. Gardner's practice participation over the next two days will provide clarity on his status heading into Sunday's game against Buffalo. Gardner has logged 46 tackles (33 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and eight pass defenses (including one interception) over 14 regular-season games.
Dec 22, 2024
Exits game due to hamstring injury
Gardner (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Gardner injured his hamstring early in the third quarter of Sunday's game. Brandin Echols will likely take over at outside corner opposite D.J. Reed for as long as Gardner is sidelined.
Dec 17, 2024
Snags game-sealing pick
Gardner logged five tackles (two solo), two pass deflections and an interceptions during the Jets' win Sunday versus the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
Gardner picked off Mac Jones with under a minute left to clinch the victory for the Jets, and this was his first interception since 2022. The 24-year-old also racked up five tackles which match his season-high total set back during the team's Week 5 loss versus the Broncos.
Dec 11, 2024
Past hamstring issue
Gardner (hamstring) was listed as a full participant at Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner was sidelined for the first time this season in the Jets' Week 14 loss to the Dolphins due to a hamstring injury. However, Wednesday's full estimation suggests the All-Pro corner has already moved past the issue. With Gardner back at full health, he's expected to serve as one of the Jets' defensive leaders in a Week 15 matchup against the Jaguars.
Dec 8, 2024
Ruled out for Week 14
Gardner (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
Gardner was tagged as doubtful for Week 14 after being held out of practice all week due to a hamstring injury he suffered against the Seahawks in Week 13. With Gardner inactive Sunday, Brandin Echols will fill in as the Jets' second starting outside cornerback opposite D.J. Reed.
Dec 6, 2024
Doubtful against Dolphins
Gardner (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner is expected to sit out Week 14 after injuring his hamstring in this past Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. While the two-time All-Pro cornerback has had a disappointing third NFL season by his lofty standards, Gardner's absence will still leave New York's secondary more vulnerable against speedy Dolphins wideouts Tyreek Hill (wrist) and Jaylen Waddle.
Dec 4, 2024
Still tending to injury
Gardner (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner seems unlikely to play Sunday, as Cimini notes that head coach Jeff Ulbrich was not optimistic about the 24-year-old's chances. Considering the nature of hamstring injuries, it's like the Jets will be cautious with their superstar corner; however, greater clarity on his status will likely come closer to their matchup with the Dolphins on Sunday.
Dec 2, 2024
Status is murky
Gardner's status for the week ahead is uncertain after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner appears in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Dolphins, although a firmer stance on his availability likely won't come until later in the week. In the meantime, his practice status in the days ahead will be worth monitoring.
Dec 1, 2024
Suffers hamstring injury in loss
Gardner suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday's 26-21 loss to the Seahawks, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner picked up a hamstring injury in the team's Week 13 loss, finishing his day with three solo tackles against Seattle. The cornerback's status at practice will be worth keeping an eye on ahead of New York's matchup with the Dolphins in Week 14.
Oct 6, 2024
Avoids concussion
Gardner (head) has returned to Sunday's game against the Vikings, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner headed to the blue medical tent to be evaluated for a concussion following a collision with teammate Quincy Williams. His return to the field would suggest he's avoided any kind of injury, which is great news for the Jets secondary.
Oct 6, 2024
Leaves with injury
Gardner (head) is being evaluated for a concussion during Sunday's game against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Gardner bumped into teammate Quincy Williams, according to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, which has sent the former to the blue medical tent. If Gardner did suffer a concussion, he'll be ruled out for the remainder of the game and enter the leagues five-step concussion protocols.
Jan 14, 2024
Rarely challenged in second season
Gardner finished 2023 with 57 tackles (41 solo) and 11 passes defensed.
ANALYSIS
Gardner's box score stats were less impressive in his second season compared to his rookie campaign -- when he led the league with 20 passes defensed -- but that was due primarily to a lack of opportunities, as opposing quarterbacks rarely challenged the standout cornerback. Gardner was a first-team All-Pro for the second time in as many years and is already the best cover corner in the NFL, though he'd like to add more interceptions to his ledger.
Oct 27, 2023
Ready for Week 8
Gardner has cleared the concussion protocol Friday and is on track for Sunday's matchup against the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Gardner returned to practice as a full participant Wednesday, but it took him until Friday to officially clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. Having the star cornerback on the field will bode well for the Jets' odds of shutting down whomever of Daniel Jones (neck) or Tyrod Taylor lines up under center for the Giants.
Oct 25, 2023
Practices, still in protocol
Gardner (concussion) Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, but logged a full practice session Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Although Gardner was able to practice fully, he has not officially cleared the league's protocols. However, he has had a bye week to recover, and his full participation indicates he is trending in the right direction. The remainder of the week will provide more clarity on the matter.
Oct 23, 2023
Still in concussion protocol
Gardner remains in concussion protocol Monday, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
In spite of the benefit of a Week 7 bye, Gardner apparently still has work to do before he can return from his concussion. The Jets' injury reports over the week will provide more insight regarding his potential availability for Week 8.
Oct 14, 2023
Ruled out Sunday
Gardner (concussion) was ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Garder did not participate in Friday's practice and was listed as questionable for Week 6. The Jets' secondary will be razor thin for with Gardner, D.J. Reed (concussion) and Brandin Echols (hamstring) all ruled out for Sunday's contest. Bryce Hall will figure to slot in as a starter opposite Michael Carter.
Oct 13, 2023
Questionable with illness
Gardner (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner was unable to practice Friday as a result of the illness. He'll look to recover in time to face Philadelphia, and with fellow starting cornerback D.J. Reed (concussion) ruled out, the Jets will have a hard time containing wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith if Gardner ends up sitting Sunday.
Aug 26, 2023
Playing Saturday
Gardner, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury during training camp, is playing in Saturday's preseason game against the Giants, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
It marks the first time that Gardner has seen game action during the preseason. He'll likely get a light workload as the Jets look to avoid any unnecessary risk ahead of the regular season.
Aug 10, 2023
Returns to practice
Gardner (hamstring) will participate in individual drills Thursday, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner was sidelined Wednesday, as the team elected to be cautious with their star corner. Although he'll return to practice now, the team will still take a lighter approach with him and relegate the 22-year-old to individual drills. Ultimately, there is little reason for the Jets to push him this early in camp with Week 1 still multiple weeks away.
Aug 9, 2023
Precautionary absence
Gardner (hamstring) will not practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner's absence is precautionary, according to head coach Robert Saleh. Considering the standout rookie season the 22-year-old had, including being named to the All-Pro team, it would make sense that the team would prefer the better safe than sorry route. He'll likely return to practice in the days ahead, although it wouldn't be surprising if he sat out Saturday's preseason contest against the Panthers.
Jan 11, 2023
Leads league in passes defensed
Gardner finished the 2022 season with 75 tackles (51 solo), two interceptions and a league-high 20 passes defensed.
ANALYSIS
Gardner's addition played a key role in New York's historic improvement on defense compared to last season, as the Jets went from 29.6 points allowed per game to 18.6. There's a strong argument that the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft was the best cover corner in the league as a rookie considering Gardner led the NFL in passes defensed despite teams rarely throwing his way. Many a prominent wide receiver was "lost in the Sauce" in 2022, and that's likely to remain a common theme for years to come.
Nov 25, 2022
Ready for action Sunday
Head coach Robert Saleh said Friday that Gardner (calf) is playing Sunday against the Bears, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner practiced in limited fashion on both Wednesday and Thursday this week while tending to a calf issue, but he was ultimately able to play every defensive snap versus the Patriots in Week 11 and expects to do it again this weekend versus Chicago. Across 10 games played this season, the 2022 fourth-overall draft pick has recorded 45 tackles, 14 passes defensed and two interceptions.
Nov 7, 2022
Grabs pick in big win
Gardner came away with one interception and seven tackles (three solo) during Sunday's 20-17 win against the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Gardner logged the second interception of his rookie campaign, as he stole away a pass intended for Gabe Davis in the third quarter. The cornerback also finished as the Jets' leading tackler while logging at least seven stops for the second time this season. Gardner has now totaled 13 passes defended through the first nine games of his NFL career, and he's quickly making a case as one of the league's top cover corners. He will look to add to this total during the Jets' next contest versus New England in Week 11.
Nov 7, 2022
Picks off Allen in win
Gardner notched a team-high seven tackles (three solo) and an interception in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Gardner was burned for a 42-yard gain by Stefon Diggs on the game's first play, but the rookie cornerback got the last laugh. He intercepted Josh Allen in Buffalo territory in the third quarter and returned it 16 yards. Four plays later, the Jets punched in the go-ahead touchdown to take a 17-14 lead, and New York didn't trail the rest of the way. Gardner also had the coverage on Gabe Davis as Allen heaved up a desperation fourth-down deep ball in the final minute. The pass fell incomplete to seal the Jets' sixth victory through nine games.
Oct 24, 2022
Leading tackler in Week 7 win
Gardner had a team-high 10 tackles (nine solo) and three passes defensed in Sunday's 16-9 win over the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
Gardner locked down Courtland Sutton in man coverage for most of the afternoon, as Sutton finished the game with just three catches for 23 yards on nine targets. The most important of Gardner's pass breakups came on Denver's penultimate possession, as he denied a fourth-down pass to Sutton in the end zone. The rookie fourth overall pick set a new single-game career high in tackles as well, and Gardner has quickly blossomed into one of the league's premier players at his position.
Oct 16, 2022
Returns during win Sunday
Gardner (head) recorded three tackles and two passes defended during Sunday's 27-10 win over the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Gardner was evaluated for a head injury sustained while tackling wide receiver Amari Rodgers early in the fourth quarter, though he later cleared and returned before the end of this contest. The rookie cornerback recorded two passes defended for the second time this season, though he did draw a pass interference penalty that was declined by Green Bay in favor of a separate unnecessary roughness penalty on safety Jordan Whitehead. Garner has now defended at least one pass in every game of his young six-game career
Oct 16, 2022
Undergoing evaluation
Gardner exited Sunday's game against the Packers to be evaluated for a head injury, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner jogged to the locker room after a collision with one of Green Bay's wide receivers during the second half, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. With the Jets currently up 27-10 late in the fourth quarter, expect cornerback Michael Carter to likely finish out the remainder of this contest.
Oct 9, 2022
Wreaks havoc on Dolphins
Gardner had five tackles (three solo), an interception and a quarterback hit in Sunday's 40-17 win over the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
Gardner blitzed on Miami's first offensive play of the game and got home. Not only did his clean hit knock Teddy Bridgewater out of the game with a head injury, but it also drew an intentional grounding flag on Bridgewater, which resulted in a safety. The rookie cornerback was flagged for pass interference for the first time in his career while defending Tyreek Hill later in the first quarter, but Gardner made amends by picking off Bridgewater's replacement Skylar Thompson in the second quarter for the first interception of Gardner's career.
Aug 28, 2022
Will start Week 1
Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Sunday that Gardner will start Week 1 against the Ravens, Ethan B. Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Less than a week ago, Saleh said Gardner, a 2022 first-round pick, would have to earn the starting spot over incumbent starter Bryce Hall. However, it appears like the rookie quickly changed his coach's mind and has been declared the starter two weeks before the season opener. By all accounts, the No. 4 overall pick has thrived during training camp and should have an advantageous matchup against Baltimore's receiving corps in Week 1.
Aug 23, 2022
Will have to earn starting role
Coach Robert Saleh said Monday that the Jets are still deciding between Gardner and Bryce Hall at one of their starting cornerback spots, Andy Vasquez of NJ Advance Media reports.
ANALYSIS
This is likely just coach speak to keep Hall happy after he served as New York's No. 1 cornerback last season. Hall's limitations were on full display in Monday's preseason game against Atlanta, as he was burned for a 52-yard gain by tight end Kyle Pitts and then beaten 1-on-1 for a touchdown by Olamide Zaccheaus. Meanwhile, Gardner has reportedly thrived in training camp after being selected fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati, and the rookie didn't have any issues keeping up with Atlanta's pass catchers while playing alongside Hall on Monday.