The Indianapolis Colts suffered an early blow in their 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans in week 13 as cornerback Sauce Gardner injured his left calf on the first drive of the game. Gardner missed the remainder of the game.
The recently acquired cornerback suffered the injury on a non-contact play. Guarding Texans tight end Cade Stover, Gardner backed up and as he pivoted to run with Stover, he seemed to strain the left calf. He limped off the field and quickly went to the locker room.
(via @NFLonCBS)
Gardner returned to the sideline in street clothes and with a walking boot on his left foot.
Gardner Making Impact in Indianapolis
Losing Gardner for an extended period would be hugely detrimental for the Colts, who have benefitted from his strong play since they acquired him ahead of the NFL trade deadline in early November.
Gardner hasn’t made the flashy impact that Colts fans were hoping for when they acquired him, but he has been consistent in two games played with the team. He doesn’t have an interception yet as a Colt, and has defended just two passes and made 13 tackles, yet his presence alone keeps QB’s from throwing in his direction.
Indianapolis will need Charvarius Ward and Kenny Moore II to pick up the slack in Gardner’s absence.
Colts Looking to Remain Atop AFC South
With their loss to the Texans, the Colts now drop to 8-4 on the season. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars picked up a win against the Tennessee Titans, meaning both teams are now 8-4 at the top of the division.
The teams still have two matchups with each other, including one next week in week 14. Both will be must see TV as one or both will likely decide the division.
The Colts have tough games against Houston, San Francisco, and Seattle still remaining, while the Jags have two easily winnable games against the Jets and the Titans remaining.
Houston’s victory also puts it just a game back of both Jacksonville and Indianapolis at 7-5. After starting 0-3, the Texans have gone 7-2 since.
Sauce Gardner Exits Week 13 Game Against Texans With Calf Injury