When will Sauce Gardner return? Latest on Jets CB after Week 6 absence

Injuries to Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed depleted the New York Jets’ cornerback rotation for their Week 6 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite their absence, the Jets gave the Eagles their first loss in a 20-14 upset.

This victory gives life to the team’s playoff push sans four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers. However, their winning chances will improve if Gardner can return to full strength soon.

Here’s an update on the health status of the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Sauce Gardner injury update

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New York Jets

Typically, NFL teams publish their injury reports for their upcoming game on Wednesday, coinciding with their first practice for the week. Playing on Thursdays or Mondays is an exception, so Gardner’s status will be known starting Wednesday.

However, the Jets are not compelled to share their injury report in Week 7 because they're on a bye. That gives them another week to rest before their Week 8 showdown against the New York Giants.

Their Week 6 clash against Philadelphia was the first game Sauce Gardner missed this season. Through five games, he has had 13 solo tackles, three passes deflected, one forced fumble and 0.5 sacks.

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What happened to Sauce Gardner?

NFL Combine

The Jets scratched off Gardner from their Week 6 game due to a concussion. He did not practice during their Friday schedule before the Philadelphia game.

NFL players under concussion protocol must clear a five-step process before getting the green light to play again. After undergoing some limited activity, the player must perform aerobic exercises in the second phase. Cognitive and balance testing can also be administered.

In Phase 3, the player conducts football exercises under a trainer’s supervision. The fourth phase brings the player back to non-contact training drills. Engaging in full football activity is the final phase Gardner must clear.

During this step, an independent neurological consultant must assess the player during scrimmages with contact. If the consultant and the club physician agree that the player’s concussion has resolved, he's allowed to become a full participant in the succeeding practice or game.

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When will Sauce Gardner return?

New York Jets vs Philadelphia Eagles

The Jets will have an extra week to have Sauce Gardner cleared from concussion and are also hoping the same for Reed.

Clearing the protocol should have both cornerbacks ready for the Giants in Week 8. However, nothing is certain until Gardner and Reed are taken off the injury report.

So far, however, most NFL player who suffered concussions returned after missing a week of action, so it's safe to assume Gardner will also be back for the Jets since they have a bye week.

Last season, Gardner played all 17 games, finishing with 51 solo tackles, 20 passes defended and two interceptions. His numbers are down this season, but it’s because opposing teams have largely avoided challenging his defense.