Sauce Gardner: Everything you need to know

Gardner (calf) is participating during the Colts' OTAs. Gardner sat out four of Indianapolis' last five games in 2025 as he dealt with a calf strain, but it doesn't look like it's bothering him during offseason workouts. The Colts will be hoping they can get a healthy, productive season out of the two-time All-Pro in 2026.

Gardner (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Texans, Amanda Foster of the Colts' official site reports. The Cincinnati product aggravated his calf injury in the Week 17 loss to the Jaguars and didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, so it's no surprise he'll be sidelined Sunday. Gardner appeared in 11 games with the Jets and Colts in 2025, recording 36 total tackles and nine passes defensed. Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards will likely operate as Indianapolis' top boundary corners while Gardner is out Week 18.

Gardner (calf) is estimated as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report. Gardner has been dealing with a calf issue for all of December. He was able to return from a three-game absence this past Sunday against Jacksonville, but the talented cornerback aggravated the injury. Given the lingering nature of the issue and the fact the Colts are out of playoff contention, it wouldn't be surprising if Gardner were to sit out Week 18 against Houston on Sunday, though he'll have two more days to return to the practice field this week.