New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner suffered a head injury in Week 7 game. Gardner is a key players on Jets defense and several are waiting to hear if he will play this week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Let’s examine if there is a chance Gardner suits up in Week 8.
Sauce Gardner Injury Update
Sauce Gardner is not expected to play in Week 8 against the Bengals as he is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. He didn’t feature in Wednesday and Thursday’s practice sessions. The official injury report lists him as “Did Not Participate (DNP)” and the team has not listed a game-status designation yet.
Gardner was injured in the second half of Sunday’s 13-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The cornerback is one of the league’s best defenders in his position. He has allowed just 10 receptions in seven games.
According to league rules for concussion, the cornerback will be asked to pass NFL’s five-step protocol and get a permission from independent neurologist to participate in the game. After the Bengals’ game, the Jets will have a bye week and by then Gardner is expected to be up and running.
With Gardner not playing, rookie corner Azareye’h Thomas is in line to start his first NFL game. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks expressed confidence in the depth behind Gardner, which includes the rookie and Brandon Stephens.
“Are we more talented with Sauce out there? Of course we are,” Wilks said. “But with AZ and B-Stephens and all the other guys we have in the fold, I think they’re going to be ready to accept the challenge.”
This is the second time Gardner will miss a game due to concussion. In 2023, his second year in the NFL, he missed a game because of that.
This season, through six games, Gardner has recorded 13 total tackles out of which three were assisted. He has also recorded five passes defended. According to Pro Football Reference, among qualifying cornerbacks, when targeted, he gave up 48.1% completion rate.
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