Colts' trade for Sauce Gardner just took ironic turn with Adonai Mitchell success

Just before the NFL trade deadline, the Indianapolis Colts made a blockbuster decision that left fans cheering. They sent embattled wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets in exchange for star cornerback Sauce Gardner. Sure, Indy also lost two first-round picks, but Gardner was well worth it.

Gardner has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league for years, and he fits well into Lou Anarumo's defense. To no one's surprise, he became an asset right away, and let's be honest... no one missed Adonai Mitchell.

Mitchell has been struggling through his career with the Colts, and at first, that trend seemed to continue in New York. While Mitchell has all the talent in the world, he just hasn't been able to put it together, plaguing Indianapolis with constant drops and mistakes. All in all, this trade was a huge win for the Colts.

Indianapolis Colts’ trade for Sauce Gardner hits a sudden speed bump

Fast forward to Week 13, and things are starting to look a little bit different. The Colts have suffered multiple injuries throughout the season, and now, it is beginning to feel like Indy just can't catch a break.

Indianapolis battled the Houston Texans in a divisional match-up in Week 13, and disaster struck almost immediately. During the Texans' first drive, Gardner came up limping, striking fear into the hearts of Colts fans.

Gardner initially tried to get up on his own, but couldn't walk without limping, and had to be supported as he walked into the medical tent. He was then taken into the locker room, and while he was initially listed as questionable to return, he was ruled out (to absolutely no one's surprise). When he returned to the sideline, he was in his regular clothes and wearing a walking boot.

For fans that are counting, that is the latest in a long line of injuries to strike the defense. Anarumo has had to go without Charvarius Ward, DeForest Buckner, and now, apparently, Gardner. He is said to have suffered a non-contact calf injury in just his third game with the Colts. And meanwhile, Adonai Mitchell just scored his first touchdown... ever.

Suffice it to say, Jets fans are thrilled. While it seems to have taken him a long, long, long time to get there, Mitchell may finally have gotten himself into a groove and led New York in receiving yards (102) and catches (8), something he was never capable of doing with Indianapolis.

Now, the Jets should probably be wary still; Mitchell's having a good game, but he has years of bad ones behind him, so celebrating this too much could be a little premature. But all the same, it would be a lie to say it doesn't sting to watch Mitchell finally put it together, while the Colts' superstar cornerback is injured.