Colts' Sauce Gardner Has Calf Strain, Out Week-to-Week

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner suffered a calf strain early in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans, but the injury is not considered season-ending, according to team officials and medical reports. The 25-year-old defensive back, acquired in a blockbuster trade from the New York Jets last month, exited the game in the first quarter after a non-contact incident while in coverage on the Texans' second offensive play. He was helped off the field and did not return, later appearing on the sideline in street clothes and a walking boot.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen provided an update Monday, confirming the diagnosis as a calf injury rather than damage to the Achilles tendon. "His Achilles is good to go," Steichen told reporters, adding that Gardner would miss some time but was not expected to be placed on injured reserve. Such a designation would sideline him for at least four games, potentially until Week 18. Instead, Gardner is considered week-to-week, with hopes he returns before the regular season ends. An MRI conducted Monday supported the less severe assessment, ruling out a tear.

Gardner addressed the injury after the game, describing the sensation as...