The Indianapolis Colts suffered an early blow against the Houston Texans in week 13 as cornerback Sauce Gardner injured his left calf on the first drive of the game. Gardner will miss the remainder of the game.
The recently acquired cornerback suffered the injury on a non-contact play. Guarding Texans tight end Cade Stover, Gardner backed up and as he pivoted to run with Stover, he seemed to strain the left calf. He limped off the field and quickly went to the locker room.
Gardner returned to the sideline in street clothes and with a walking boot on his left foot.
The Texans currently lead the Colts 10-6 at halftime.
Gardner Making Impact in Indianapolis
Losing Gardner for an extended period would be hugely detrimental for the Colts, who have benefitted from his strong play since they acquired him ahead of the NFL trade deadline in early November.
Gardner hasn’t made the flashy impact that Colts fans were hoping for when they acquired him, but he has been consistent in two games played with the team. He doesn’t have an interception yet as a Colt, and has defended just two passes and made 13 tackles, yet his presence alone keeps QB’s from throwing in his direction.
Indianapolis will need Charvarius Ward and Kenny Moore II to pick up the slack in Gardner’s absence.
Colts Looking to Remain Atop AFC South
Stuck in a battle with the Houston Texans, Indianapolis will have a tough time leaving Houston with a win. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a very winnable game against the Tennessee Titans, meaning a win from the Jags and a loss from the Colts will put both teams at 8-4 at the top of the division.
The teams still have two matchups with each other, including one next week in week 14.
The Colts have tough games against Houston, San Francisco, and Seattle still remaining, while the Jags have two easily winnable games against the Jets and the Titans remaining.
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