The Indianapolis Colts shocked the NFL by making a move for two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner at the 2025 trade deadline. The deal turns a banged-up group for Indy into a strength. One that will get even better later in the season when Charvarius Ward returns.
But even after making the trade for Gardner with the New York Jets, Indianapolis was potentially traveling to Berlin, Germany, for Week 10's matchup versus the Atlanta Falcons without Gardner and Ward. Both have been struggling with concussion symptoms. Ward is still out for at least one more game.
Gardner, however, will return against Atlanta. According to FOX 59's Mike Chappell, the new Colt has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to start his first game for Indy in Berlin. The Falcons are not a great team, but they do have a very good wide receiver, Drake London. Gardner is expected to cover London.
Sauce Gardner expected to be ready for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10
Gardner missed the Jets' Week 8 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, and New York had a bye week in Week 9. The cornerback has stayed healthy for much of his four-year career, however. He missed one game in 2023, and two in 2024, but none in his rookie season of 2022. He has missed just one game this year.
How long it takes for Sauce Gardner to fully acclimate to defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's scheme is unknown, but likely be quick. Gardner won't be asked to change his approach much, going from the Jets to the Colts. His priority will be trying to shut down the top receiver of the other team.
He has been exceedingly effective in that aspect so far. He was First-Team All-Pro in both 2022 and 2023. Last season, he had about the same quarterback rating as he had in his previous two seasons, but struggled with penalties. He had 10 total.
This season, his quarterback rating allowed is a career high of 102.5, but he is suddenly a much worse player. He was on an extremely underperforming New York Jets team, and that somewhat affected his play. The expectation is that he will be much better with the Indianapolis Colts, and that will begin in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons.