Sauce Gardner hit with another injury ahead of Jets’ Week 2 game

It goes without saying that Sauce Gardner is arguably the most important player on the entire New York Jets roster. If the Jets want any chance of upsetting the Buffalo Bills in Week 2, they're likely going to need to have Gardner on the field.

Unfortunately, that reality isn't as certain now as it was a day ago. Gardner popped up on the Jets' injury report on Thursday as a limited participant due to a groin injury. He was notably a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

That would suggest Gardner’s groin injury either developed or flared up during Wednesday or Thursday’s practice, limiting his participation. It’s a major concern for a Jets defense that desperately needs him on the field.

Earlier this summer, Gardner missed time with a fibula injury that was initially reported as a calf issue. This marks the second injury he’s been forced to manage in just the past few weeks.

The full Jets Week 2 injury report can be seen below.

Sauce Gardner listed as limited on Jets' Week 2 injury report

Gardner wasted little time re-establishing himself as one of the NFL's premier cornerbacks this past Sunday. The two-time All-Pro finished with a 90.3 Pro Football Focus grade that was best among all cornerbacks in Week 1.

He was credited with allowing only one catch for 11 yards on four targets, and that lone reception came on a bizarre, four-times-deflected ball that landed in DK Metcalf’s lap. Gardner was even credited with a pass breakup on the play, but it still went down as a completion against him.

The Jets know exactly how important Gardner is to their defense, especially given the performance of his position-mate, Brandon Stephens, in Week 1. Stephens was a massive liability, allowing five catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns.

If Gardner is unable to play this Sunday, Stephens would become the team's de facto No. 1 cornerback. One of either Qwan'tez Stiggers or rookie third-round pick Azareye'h Thomas would take Gardner's place in the starting lineup.

Neither Stiggers nor Thomas registered a defensive snap in the Jets' Week 1 loss to the Steelers. Stiggers spent most of the summer working as the dime cornerback, so it's fair to assume that he would get the nod over Thomas.

Elsewhere on the injury report, Josh Reynolds popped up with a hamstring injury on Thursday and did not practice. His availability for Week 2 is very much in doubt.

Rookie tight end Mason Taylor returned to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday, suggesting he's on track to play. Kick returner Kene Nwangwu remains out with a hamstring injury.

Jets fans will wait with bated breath for the team’s final injury report on Friday, which should provide a clearer picture of Gardner’s status heading into Week 2.

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