After missing the New York Jets’ second preseason game with a calf injury, cornerback Sauce Gardner appeared to aggravate the ailment during Tuesday’s practice session.
Following an end-zone pass breakup against starting wide receiver Josh Reynolds, Gardner came up with a slight limp and left the field. His right calf was worked on by a trainer on the sideline. Gardner seemed to be okay, continuing to walk along the sideline.
The two-time All-Pro appeared in the Jets’ preseason opener, looking dominant over a brief stint on the field. He recorded two pass breakups on just 12 defensive snaps before New York’s starters exited the game.
Aaron Glenn sent his defensive starters out on the field once more against the Giants, but Gardner sat out as a precaution with his calf injury. Second-year man Qwan’tez Stiggers got the start in Gardner’s place.
Gardner is seeking a bounce-back year after a 2024 season that saw him drop from his familiar stardom to merely “good.” A large part of that bounce-back will have to come from improved tackling, an area where Gardner has already displayed promising signs.
In the Jets’ preseason trip to Green Bay, Gardner showed excellent discipline and physicality during one run play.
The Jets hope that Gardner’s nagging calf issue will subside sooner rather than later, as it’s the type of injury that can linger into the season and cause further issues. Aaron Rodgers had a calf issue in the Jets’ 2023 training camp before tearing his Achilles in Week 1. Michael Carter II was on and off the practice field with a calf injury in 2024, and he ended up dealing with an injury-plagued season.
For now, Jets fans have nothing to worry about, but it’s something to watch. With less than three weeks until the season opener, New York would be wise to play it as safely as possible with its star corner.
