INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts acquired combined harm information Friday, welcoming again star cornerback Sauce Gardner after a three-game absence whereas additionally marking the tip of Professional Bowl defensive deal with DeForest Buckner’s season.
Gardner, who landed in Indianapolis after a blockbuster commerce in November with the New York Jets, performed simply two full video games with the Colts since his arrival due to a calf harm. That undermined the Colts’ plans to make him a centerpiece of a gifted secondary, which has additionally been with out its different main perimeter cornerback, Charvarius Ward.
After returning to follow this week, Gardner will play on Sunday in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, in line with coach Shane Steichen.
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The information was not as promising with Buckner. He might be positioned on season-ending injured reserve after an ill-fated try to complete the season. A herniated disk in his neck that landed Buckner on injured reserve in November confirmed some promise final week, when Buckner was activated and performed in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Evening Soccer.” However Buckner aggravated the harm in that sport, Steichen stated, and can now require surgical procedure.
Buckner stated the disk was urgent on a nerve and left him with out upper-body energy on his left aspect. He knew the fragile nature of the harm made enjoying dangerous, however Buckner needed to strive.
“Clearly, I do know what’s at stake [for the team], but in addition I do know what’s at stake for me long run in my life,” he stated.
Buckner, who has been one of many Colts’ main leaders since his arrival in 2020, ought to have the ability to return subsequent season, Steichen stated.
“He is nearly as good because it will get, robust because it will get,” Steichen stated. “Needs to be on the market for his workforce. However hopefully every little thing will go good; the process might be good. Get him healed up for subsequent 12 months.”
