The Indianapolis Colts got a bit of good news this week - and it couldn’t have come at a more critical time. Star cornerback Sauce Gardner was listed as a limited participant on Thursday’s estimated injury report, a sign that he may be inching closer to returning to the field just as the Colts gear up for a must-win Week 17 showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Now, let’s clarify: the Colts didn’t actually practice on Thursday. What they released was an estimation of what participation would’ve looked like if they had taken the field. Still, Gardner showing up as “limited” is a meaningful development, especially after missing the last two games with injury.
Gardner’s absence was felt during Monday night’s 48-27 loss to the San Francisco 49ers - a game that marked the Colts’ sixth straight defeat. That slide has taken them from a promising 8-2 start to a precarious 8-7 record, and with just two games left, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread.
According to playoff projections, Indianapolis has just a 3% chance of sneaking into the postseason. In other words, it’s win-or-go-home territory.
And that’s where Gardner’s potential return becomes so important.
Since arriving in Indianapolis, the former First-Team All-Pro has played in three games, tallying 13 tackles (11 solo) and defending two passes. On the season - split between his time with the Jets and the Colts - he’s logged 33 tackles, eight passes defended, and 1.5 stuffs. Even in limited action, he’s shown why he’s one of the league’s most respected young corners: physical in coverage, instinctive in zone, and unafraid to step up in run support.
Against Jacksonville, those traits will be tested.
A step forward for Sauce Gardner. https://t.co/iReQfWaN6B
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 25, 2025
The Jaguars come into this one with an 11-4 record and a firm grip on the AFC South lead. Their offense has been humming, especially through the air, where they’ve consistently stretched secondaries and forced defenses to cover every inch of the field. If Gardner is able to suit up, he’d immediately upgrade a Colts secondary that’s struggled to contain explosive plays during this recent skid.
For Indianapolis, this isn’t just another game - it’s a chance to stop the bleeding, keep the postseason dream alive, and prove they’re more than the sum of their recent losses. And while Gardner’s status remains uncertain, the fact that he’s trending in the right direction is a welcome sign for a team desperate for a spark.
After Jacksonville, the Colts will wrap up the regular season on the road against the Houston Texans, who sit at 10-5 and are also jostling for playoff position. That Week 18 matchup could carry major implications - but only if Indy can get past the Jaguars first.
So yes, the odds are long. But if Gardner can return and play like the shutdown corner he’s capable of being, the Colts might just have a fighting chance.