Colts Trending Up in Health, But Will Miss Sauce Gardner vs. Jaguars
As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for a key AFC South clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the injury report offers a bit of good news - and one notable setback.
Let’s start with the headline: Sauce Gardner is officially out for Sunday’s game with a calf injury suffered last week. The silver lining?
It’s not an Achilles issue, which means Gardner’s season isn’t over. He’s considered week-to-week, and that’s a much better outcome than what it could’ve been when he limped off the field.
With Gardner sidelined, the Colts will likely turn to a rotation of Mekhi Blackmon and Jaylon Jones to line up opposite Charvarius Ward Sr. The coaching staff will probably play the matchup game here, picking based on how they want to handle Jacksonville’s receiving corps. It’s not ideal, but Indy’s secondary depth is about to be tested in a big way.
Colts Injury Rundown
The Colts have been cautious this week, opting for a walkthrough on Wednesday instead of a full practice. But as the week progressed, most of the roster trended in the right direction.
Out:
- CB Sauce Gardner (calf)
Questionable:
- DE Tyquan Lewis (groin)
- LB Jaylon Carlies (IR-ankle)
Lewis is a bit of a mystery. He’s known for gutting through injuries, but after being downgraded to a non-participant on Friday, it’s fair to wonder whether the team is protecting him for Sunday or if the injury is more serious than they’re letting on.
We’ll know more when the inactives drop at 11:30 a.m. ET on game day.
Carlies, meanwhile, has been practicing in full for three straight weeks since being designated to return from IR. He’s looked sharp, and head coach Shane Steichen said he had a “great week of practice.” The Colts have until the end of the week to activate him - otherwise, he stays on IR for the rest of the season.
Full Participants by Friday:
- WR Josh Downs (hip/knee)
- QB Daniel Jones (fibula)
- CB Kenny Moore II (illness/ankle)
- LB Jaylon Carlies (ankle)
- DE Kwity Paye (ankle)
That’s a strong group of contributors trending toward playing, especially Downs and Moore, who are key pieces in the passing game and the defensive backfield, respectively. Daniel Jones continues to progress from his fibula injury, and all signs point to him being ready to go.
Jaguars Dealing with Key Absences
Jacksonville’s injury list is a bit more concerning - especially when you consider who’s on it.
Out:
- OT Walker Little (concussion)
- S Andrew Wingard (concussion)
Little is the starting left tackle, and losing him puts added pressure on the Jaguars’ protection scheme, especially against a Colts front that can bring heat. Wingard is a veteran presence in the secondary and a guy who always seems to make plays against Indy. His absence could open up opportunities for the Colts' passing game, especially if Downs and Moore are both active and healthy.
Questionable:
- DT Arik Armstead (hand)
- DE Travon Walker (knee)
- WR Parker Washington (hip)
- S Eric Murray (neck)
That’s a group of potential impact players, particularly up front with Armstead and Walker. If either can’t go, Jacksonville’s defensive line rotation takes a hit - and that could be a big deal with how the Colts have been running the ball lately. Washington adds depth to the receiving corps, while Murray’s availability could help soften the blow of Wingard’s absence.
What It All Means
Both teams are banged up, but the Colts appear to be getting healthier at just the right time - with the exception of Gardner, of course. His absence is significant, no question, especially against a Jaguars offense that can stretch the field. But if the Colts’ pass rush can get home and the offense takes advantage of a weakened Jacksonville secondary, they’ll have a real shot to steal one on the road.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday at EverBank Stadium. The division race is heating up, and both teams know how much this one means.