The Minnesota Vikings will face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Colts themselves may be without a key player. Cornerback Sauce Gardner will likely be out for Sunday’s game. This was reported by multiple media outlets.
Gardner’s injury is reported to be a mild calf strain, which he suffered in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Tennessee Titans. He was able to return to the sideline and attempted to loosen up his muscles, but he was unable to return.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Gardner is expected to miss some time but that the injury is not considered long-term or season-ending. He will likely miss Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, with Cam Taylor-Britt projected to start for the Colts.
A Major Piece Of News For Vikings
This news could be huge for the Minnesota Vikings. For one, it takes away the Colts’ top corner. This could allow the receivers to really make an impact in the passing game. Justin Jefferson would no longer have to face the Colts’ top corner, and would allow him to take advantage of mismatches.
In addition to what the different Jefferson, it can also open up opportunities for other Vikings receivers in the passing game. Guys like Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings could get going. These next couple of weeks could be crucial for Jennings leading up to the trade deadline. A game like Sunday’s could allow him to really showcase his skill set.
T.J. Hockenson is also a player who could benefit from this absence due to more open opportunities. The tight end should be in line for his first game back following his injury. He is less than two weeks removed from a game against the Miami Dolphins that saw him record 13 catches for hundred 19 yards. The tight end has become more involved with the offense over the course of the last couple of games. This could be another opportunity for him to really showcase his involvement in the offense.
Sauce Gardner Having Productive Season
Gardner has recorded 13 tackles and four passes defended over the course of the season. The corner has also averaged just three targets per game. It’s clear opposing defenses still respect his ability as an elite corner. In addition, he has been an excellent tackler. He has missed only two tackles all season, showcasing his ability to tackle well and be an elite playmaker in coverage.
This is certainly a storyline to monitor throughout the course of this week. It’s also a storyline to monitor for the Colts throughout the course of the next couple of weeks. Losing Gardner would certainly be a major blow to their defense. As for the Vikings, they may have the opportunity to take advantage of this absence. It will be interesting to see how Sunday plays out.
Vikings Get Potentially Huge Injury News Ahead of Colts Game