By Robert MarviShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberOn Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts suffered a blow to their hopes of making the playoffs and doing damage there, and it wasn't only because they lost by four points to the Houston Texans.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner went down with a noncontact lower-body injury on Houston's second play from scrimmage, and after staying on the ground for a while, he was helped off the field. There was some concern that he had suffered a severe injury, perhaps to his Achilles, but it looks like he and the Colts have dodged a bullet.
Gardner said after the game that he had suffered a calf strain and that he's hopeful he won't have to miss too much time.
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Read more: Steelers Are Reportedly Making Surprise Aaron Rodgers Decision for Bills Game
The Colts acquired Gardner from the New York Jets in early November for two future first-round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. It was hoped that Gardner, who has made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team twice and was the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, would be the Colts' missing piece.
However, his level of play has fallen off somewhat over the last couple of years. He went from a league-high 20 passes defended as a rookie to 11 the following season, and he hasn't gotten into double digits in that category since. He's currently at eight pass breakups this year.
...Sunday's loss knocked the Colts back to second place in the AFC South with an 8-4 record. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who are also 8-4, leapfrogged Indianapolis in the standings by pummeling the Tennessee Titans, 25-3.
Read more: Panthers’ Bryce Young Sets NFL History in Rams Upset Win
Both teams will meet in Jacksonville on Sunday, Dec. 7 for a game that will surely have huge playoff implications. The Colts and Jaguars will play each other again in Week 17 in Indianapolis in what could be an even more consequential contest.
For more on the Colts and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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