Is Sauce Gardner Playing Today: When Will Colts Star Cornerback Return?

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner is not playing on December 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the team ruled him out with a calf strain. The Colts are preparing to be without their top defensive back for at least another week. The main keyword appears early to support search accuracy.

NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport shared the latest update on Gardner’s timeline on Sunday. His report indicates Gardner avoided injured reserve and is progressing better than expected, offering optimism for a return before the end of December.

Latest Injury Update on Sauce Gardner

Rapoport said Gardner suffered a calf strain in Week 14 during the Colts’ matchup with the Houston Texans. The injury looked severe on replay, but exam results showed a milder strain. Gardner has made steady progress since then and is reportedly feeling much better.

According to Rapoport, Gardner is not expected to play in Week 15 either. The earliest realistic return date is December 22 against the San Francisco 49ers. If that game comes too soon, December 28 against the Jaguars is the next target. The Colts also confirmed they will not place Gardner on IR, which aligns with a shorter recovery window.

In his first two games with Indianapolis, Gardner allowed five catches on 10 targets for 38 yards. He also broke up two passes and recorded 12 tackles. The Colts signed Gardner midseason to strengthen their secondary, making his absence significant.

Without Gardner, the Colts will use Mekhi Blackmon and Jaylon Jones alongside Charvarius Ward at cornerback. The defense will have to adjust again as it faces one of the league’s most efficient passing attacks in Jacksonville.

How the Colts Adjust Without Sauce Gardner

The Colts have leaned heavily on their secondary to support a defense built around tight coverage and pressure packages. Losing Gardner affects their ability to match up with top receivers, especially against teams with strong perimeter weapons.

Blackmon and Jones have rotated in key roles this season. Both players will see higher workloads while Gardner recovers. Ward remains the top outside corner, but Gardner’s return would restore the balanced coverage plan the Colts envisioned.

The timeline set by Rapoport offers clarity for fans and analysts. If Gardner returns by December 22, he could help Indianapolis during a critical playoff push. A later return on December 28 would still give the Colts one key game before the regular season ends.

Gardner’s progress will be monitored daily, but the Colts appear encouraged by his recovery. The main keyword remains a central focus as the team anticipates his return.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Sauce Gardner playing today?

No. The Colts ruled him out for their December 7 game against the Jaguars due to a calf strain.

Q2: When will Sauce Gardner return?

The earliest return date is December 22. If not then, December 28 is the next realistic target.

Q3: How serious is Sauce Gardner’s injury?

The injury is described as a mild calf strain. He avoided IR, suggesting a shorter recovery window.

Q4: Who replaces Sauce Gardner in the Colts’ defense?

Mekhi Blackmon and Jaylon Jones will rotate opposite Charvarius Ward until Gardner is back.

Q5: How has Sauce Gardner played with the Colts so far?

He allowed 38 yards on 10 targets with two pass breakups and made 12 tackles in his first two games.