Sauce Gardner will miss the Eagles game
The New York Jets just suffered another considerable blow to their defense.
Announced as officially questionable with an illness, the star cornerback Sauce Gardner was downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the Eagles.
CB Sauce Gardner has been downgraded to out with a concussion. https://t.co/1wu9GF7cps
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 14, 2023
Posting on X shortly after the announcement, Gardner said he “feels perfectly fine,” which he called “the crazy part about it.”
I feel perfectly fine. That's the crazy part about it
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) October 14, 2023
While it is smart for the Jets to play it safe with their superstar defensive back, it is another big loss to a secondary already missing D.J. Reed and backup Brandin Echols.
With their top three cornerbacks out, the Jets now turn to Bryce Hall and newly activated Craig James as their starting outside cornerbacks. They also elevated defensive back Ke’Montae Hayes as depth for Sunday’s game.
Roster moves:
– Placed CB Justin Hardee on IR
– OL Carter Warren added to active roster
– DB Craig James and DB Ke'Montae Hayes have been elevated for tomorrow's game📰 https://t.co/azHRbsWhzP pic.twitter.com/ArW0Dp4zvj
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 14, 2023
The Jets now have to contend with shutting down arguably the best wide receiver duo in football without their starting cornerbacks. A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith have the talent to beat the best defenders lined up against them, let alone back-ups like Hall and James.
It falls to head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to create a defensive game plan that can help support what looks to be a weakness on an otherwise talented Jets’ defense.
While the Eagles will inevitably score points, the Jets’ defense needs to keep the game within striking distance.
Gardner not playing this week should allow him to be ready for the team’s next game, as they have a bye week before facing the New York Giants.
In the meantime, Saleh, Ulbrich, and the Jets’ defense, lacking their two best outside cornerbacks, face arguably their toughest test in the secondary this season.
