Fresh off a big-time blowout win over the Green Bay Packers, the New York Jets will soon take the field against the New York Giants. As the preseason continues for head coach Aaron Glenn, he and his staff are constantly evaluating the roster at training camp and on the gridiron in games.
One situation to monitor, however, did arise on Wednesday. Superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner wasn’t working on the field with his teammates. Glenn provided some critical context following the conclusion of August 13’s practice.
Jets Superstar CB Nursing Calf Ailment at Training Camp
The most important thing is the Jets seemed to have avoided anything resembling a worst-case scenario. It’s an instance of calf soreness for Gardner. Glenn didn’t appear to be concerned, but the nature of that injury is never ideal.
“Sauce wasn’t out [there] today,” Glenn said. “He has some calf soreness. We’ll continue to evaluate him and see exactly where he’s at.”
As Jets fans know all too well, calf injuries and training camp don’t always mix well. Just two summers ago, then-starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers dealt with a strain in August and tore his Achilles tendon in Week 1 of the regular season. It’d be irresponsible to imply that Gardner’s situation is even remotely close, as his progression to practicing and playing is ideally quick and easy. It is fitting, though, to point out an emphasis on increased caution regarding calf injuries in modern sports.
Luckily for New York, they have experience managing these ailments in a healthy way. After all, Gardner hasn’t even been diagnosed with a strain or the like yet. To kick off the month of August, Glenn revealed that star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was nursing a calf injury of his own. The team has played a slow-burning game with him, which makes a ton of sense. Unless Gardner feels 110% healthy entering Saturday’s preseason contest, don’t expect him to be involved.
The Jets need Gardner desperately. They can’t afford to risk anything with him, which fans are alluding to all over social media. In just three seasons, he’s already a two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro. Gardner is looking to bounce back in year No. 4 after a down 2024-25 campaign. Given the hefty price tag on his recent contract extension, all eyes are on him to return to form this year.
Assessing New York’s Secondary Without Gardner Practicing
If Gardner continues to miss practice, his chance of playing against the Giants drop drastically. The same applies for the Jets’ preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, although it’s possible that primary starters won’t suit up for that game anyway.
In the event that Gardner is on the sideline, Glenn is confident in offseason pickup Brandon Stephens to get the job done.
“That’s one player that I’ve been talking about for the longest during camp,” Glenn said. “I mean, I can go back to OTAs and how he’s been operating. He’s everything that we imagined. He’s big, he’s physical, he has really good coverage skills. I’m looking forward to see how he progresses through training camp and during the season. The one thing we have to continue to work on is him being able to get his hands on the ball. I don’t know if he got a pick or anything like that today, but he’s a damn good player. I’m glad we have him.”
Glenn says Stephens has been “pushing Sauce” in his coverage ability throughout the offseason. The former has improved in various areas since signing with the organization back in March.
“Confidence, for one,” Glenn said. “Two, listen, I knew he was big and athletic but his coverage skills â I don’t want to say he improved on that because you saw it when he was in Baltimore â but just the way he’s going out and operating. His mentality coming out to practice every day is unbelievable, and it’s contagious with other guys too.”
Elsewhere, the Jets’ cornerback room contains names like Qwan’tez Stiggers, Michael Carter II and rookie third-round pick Azareye’h Thomas. At safety, offseason signing Andre Cisco is complemented by rookie Malachi Moore and veteran Tony Adams.
Gardner is the straw that stirs the entire defensive drink, so New York will hope he’s back to 100% sooner rather than later.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Jets HC Aaron Glenn Drops Concerning News on Superstar CB appeared first on Heavy Sports.