Sauce returns to Colts, yet Buckner’s season has ended

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts received a mixed bag of injury updates on Friday; they welcomed back standout cornerback Sauce Gardner after a three-game break while simultaneously announcing that Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner’s season has concluded.

Gardner, who joined the Colts from the New York Jets in a notable trade last November, has only participated in two full games since arriving, hindered by a calf injury. This limited his role in the Colts’ strategy to integrate him as a focal point in their robust secondary, already missing another key cornerback, Charvarius Ward.

Following his return to practice earlier this week, Gardner is set to play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as confirmed by coach Shane Steichen.

However, the prognosis was less favorable for Buckner. He will be placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season after an ill-advised attempt to conclude the year. A herniated disk in his neck, which initially sidelined him in November, seemed promising when Buckner returned to play against the San Francisco 49ers on «Monday Night Football.» Unfortunately, he exacerbated the injury during that game, as per Steichen’s comments, and will now necessitate surgery.

Buckner revealed that the disk was pressing on a nerve, resulting in a lack of upper-body strength on his left side. He understood the injury’s delicate nature made playing a gamble, but Buckner wished to give it a go.

«I fully grasped what’s at risk [for the team], but I’m also aware of the long-term implications for my life,» he remarked.

Coach Steichen mentioned that Buckner, a leader for the Colts since 2020, is expected to make a return next season.

«He’s as good and tough as they come,» Steichen stated. «He wants to be out there for his teammates. We hope the procedure goes smoothly and he heals up for next season.»