Colts Cornerback Sauce Gardner Week-to-Week with Calf Strain Amidst Front Office Turmoil
The injury adds to the Indianapolis Colts' challenging season, following the firing of General Manager Chris Ballard.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner is considered week-to-week with a mild calf strain, adding another setback to a turbulent season for the franchise.
The injury occurred during the Colts' recent loss, forcing Gardner to leave the game in the third quarter. An MRI confirmed the severity of the strain, with reports indicating he is not expected to face an extended absence, though he will miss some time.
This is not the first time Gardner has dealt with a calf issue, as he also missed multiple games last season with a similar injury. In the current season, Gardner has recorded four passes defensed and 17 total tackles.
The injury news comes on the heels of a significant organizational change for the Colts. Earlier on Sunday, the team announced the dismissal of General Manager Chris Ballard, who had held the position since 2017. The team's performance since acquiring Gardner has been a point of concern. The Colts traded significant future draft capital, including their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, to the New York Jets for Gardner in November. At the time of the trade, the Colts had a 7-2 record, but they have since gone 3-11, finishing last season 8-9.
Gardner, a highly touted player, joined the Colts after a decorated start to his NFL career with the Jets. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in his first two seasons. Since his trade to Indianapolis, he has accumulated seven passes defended and 33 tackles without an interception.
