Sauce Gardner injury update: NY Jets All-Pro CB exits with head injury

The NY Jets defense is doing its best to contain a high-powered Minnesota Vikings offense, but they might be forced to do so without arguably their best player.

All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner collided with linebacker Quincy Williams in the third quarter of the Jets' Week 5 game against the Vikings and was helped to the sideline by trainers.

Gardner was seen walking into the blue medical tent on the sideline and was later taken to the locker room. The Jets revealed that Gardner is currently being evaluated for a head injury and is questionable to return.

Gardner left his helmet on the field when he was taken to the locker room, an ominous sign about his availability moving forward. If Gardner does indeed have a concussion, he would be forced to miss the remainder of this game and possibly even more time.

Sauce Gardner injured in NY Jets vs Vikings game

The Jets are already without standout nickel cornerback Michael Carter II who exited the game with a hamstring injury in the first quarter. Backup safety/nickel Isaiah Oliver has primarily filled in for Carter on defense.

Now, with Gardner sidelined, the Jets are without two of their three star cornerbacks. Brandin Echols has stepped into the starting lineup with Gardner in the locker room.

Echols started in place of the injured D.J. Reed in Week 2 and performed well in his absence. The Jets need their backup defensive backs to step up for the time being.