Jets cannot risk another nightmare after Sauce Gardner injury scare

The New York Jets have largely avoided the injury bug that has derailed past summers through the first few weeks of training camp. Aside from a handful of minor ailments, the team has been able to keep its core players healthy, a rare luxury for many teams in August.

But on Wednesday, one pretty notable player was held out of practice due to injury. All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner did not participate in the Jets' second and final joint practice with the New York Giants on Wednesday.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters after practice that Gardner was sidelined with “calf soreness” and that the team is still determining the severity of the injury. The standout cornerback had been a full participant in Tuesday’s joint practice session.

The Jets have not revealed how long they expect Gardner to be sidelined, but calf injuries are notorious for lingering and, if not properly managed, can escalate into more serious problems. It’s a cautionary tale the Jets know all too well.

Jets should shut down Sauce Gardner until Week 1 after calf injury scare

Jets fans have seen firsthand how a lingering calf injury can develop into a much more significant situation. Former quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a calf strain during OTAs with the Jets in May 2023. A few months later, Rodgers infamously tore his Achilles just four plays into his Jets debut.

This doesn’t mean every calf injury follows the same path or that Gardner is destined for the worst-case scenario. It does mean, however, that the Jets would be wise to avoid any unnecessary risks with a player of his caliber.

Gardner signed a four-year, $120.4 million extension with the Jets last month that made him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. It was a well-deserved honor for a player who has quickly become one of the league's most valuable non-quarterbacks.

Despite a "down year" in 2024 by his lofty standards, Gardner still allowed the fewest catches among all qualified cornerbacks in football. It was also the only season of his NFL career to this point that he did not receive first-team All-Pro honors.

The Jets are counting on Gardner not only to rebound in 2025 but to anchor Aaron Glenn and Steve Wilks’ defense. Few players on the roster carry more weight when it comes to determining the team’s success this season.

That’s exactly why they can’t afford to take any risks. Every precaution should be taken, even if it means sitting him for the rest of the preseason.

The Jets don’t need to see more from him this summer — Saturday’s preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers already proved Sauce Gardner is still his elite self. He’s Week 1 ready, and that’s when they’ll need him most.

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