INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts received mixed injury updates Friday, as star cornerback Sauce Gardner is set to return after missing three games, while Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner’s season has come to an end.
Gardner, acquired from the New York Jets in a major November trade, has played only two full games with Indianapolis due to a calf injury, which limited the Colts’ ability to feature him as a key part of their secondary—already missing starting cornerback Charvarius Ward.
After practicing this week, Gardner is expected to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, coach Shane Steichen confirmed.
The news was less positive for Buckner. He will be placed on season-ending injured reserve following an attempt to finish the season after a herniated neck disk initially sidelined him in November. Although he played against the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football,” the injury flared up again, and Buckner will now require surgery.
The disk had been pressing on a nerve, leaving Buckner with limited upper-body strength on his left side. Despite the risks, he attempted to play to support the team.
“Obviously, I know what’s at stake for the team, but also what’s at stake for me long term,” Buckner said.
Steichen praised Buckner’s dedication and leadership since joining the Colts in 2020 and said he expects him to return next season.
“He’s as tough as it gets and wants to be out there for his team. Hopefully, the procedure goes well and gets him ready for next year,” Steichen added.
