The move that Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard made to bring cornerback Sauce Gardner to the team at the 2025 trade deadline better pay off long-term. It certainly has yet to return dividends this season. What remains to be seen is if Gardner will play again in 2025.
The former All-Pro corner hurt his calf in Week 13, wasn't placed on injured reserve, but he hasn't played since. He isn't going to play in Week 16 either. That is when the Colts play the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Gardner hasn't practiced since he suffered his injury, so there is nothing to imply he is anywhere close to returning. Yet, when asked two days before the 49ers game if Gardner should be expected to return at any point this season, head coach Shane Steichen simply said, "Yes."
Colts head coach Shane Steichen makes Sauce Gardner situation more confusing
To be sure, Steichen, like many coaches, is reticent to give any information out about injuries. He would rather say something about a player being hurt quickly and move on. Reporters often are left wanting much more information, but Steichen is unlikely to provide much context.
The question fans might have is, how does Steichen know that Gardner should be able to return this season when he hasn't yet practiced? Perhaps the team's medical group is telling the coach this, and he isn't letting us know the full details. That doesn't stop fans from wondering what might really be happening.
After the 49ers game on Monday Night Football, the Colts have only two games left. While beating San Francisco would be fantastic, a loss would not completely push Indy out of the playoff picture. The final two games are against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Texans in Houston. Indy likely must win both of those.
Perhaps Sauce Gardner is just on the verge of returning, but if that were the case, why would he not be practicing at all? He is obviously doing things to keep himself prepared, but that doesn't include participating in drills or walk-throughs.
Indianapolis was able to survive the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15 defensively (the Colts lost, but the defense was very good) because of an excellent scheme designed by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Eventually, talent wins out, however, and Gardner is a talent that is not easily matched.
If he isn't able to play, fine. Sauce Gardner shouldn't play for the Indianapolis Colts if he is too injured to do so. But Shane Steichen giving potentially false hope by saying the cornerback will play isn't much fun.