Sauce Gardner sidelined vs 49ers: Latest updates on NY Jets star CB

The NY Jets are placing an inordinate amount of trust in All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. With the pass rush much weaker than it was last year and the team committed to a scheme that doesn't involve blitzes, they will trust their top cornerback to shut down the best opposing receivers as Aaron Rodgers leads the offense.

Any snap where the highly-touted corner is not on the field is a cause for alarm among Jets fans. That klaxon went off immediately in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers. With the 49ers up 13-7 and getting the ball back as they tried to score right before halftime, Gardner was removed from the game.

Oddly enough, Gardner was seen on the sideline with his helmet on and not surrounded by medical staff. While some theorized that his shoulder was hurt, Lisa Salters confirmed on the broadcast that Gardner's absence is "not a medical issue" and there is "nothing wrong" with him.

If those are to be believed, the only logical explanation for this is either a benching or some sort of disciplinary infraction that Gardner committed. Considering how well he was playing earlier, it doesn't seem to suggest that it was performance-related. What is going on?

ESPN broadcast just said that it is "not a medical issue" and there is "nothing wrong" with #Jets CB Sauce Gardner.

That would mean they benched him? Or sat him?

Why would you take your best corner off the field? That makes zero sense.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 10, 2024

Sauce Gardner removed from NY Jets-49ers

Oddly enough, Gardner returned to the game as the 49ers were driving down the field. Could it have perhaps been a stinger?

According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Gardner was on one knee alone on the sidelines before halftime. He was allegedly staring at the ground and seemed frustrated. He went into the locker room upset. About what? That is unclear.

Sauce Gardner was on one knee alone on the sideline. Been staring at the ground a lot. Seems a little upset about something.

Walking into the locker room with his head down.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 10, 2024

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggled to move the ball through the air until the final drive, and the 1-2 punch of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel have just 33 yards between them. Gardner and the pass defense have been doing their job, even with this weird situation.

Gardner also returned to the starting defense when the second half began. No update was given as to why he was removed.

Sauce Gardner removed from NY Jets-49ers

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