As the New York Jets prepare for their Week 14 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, they may face a significant setback with the potential absence of one of their most dependable defensive players. Cornerback Sauce Gardner, who has been a standout since being drafted in 2022, has played every game of his career except for one, which was due to injury in Week 6 of the 2023 season. However, his availability for Week 14 is now in question, as Gardner is dealing with a hamstring injury, according to Jeremy Fowler on X.
Fowler reported that Gardner’s status for the upcoming game is uncertain, with sources indicating that the team’s decision will depend on how Gardner responds to treatment later in the week. Since joining the NFL, Gardner has missed only one game, making him one of the most reliable players on the team. His absence would be a significant blow for the Jets, particularly as he has been playing some of his best football recently. In Week 13, Gardner posted an impressive 90.1 coverage grade against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), marking one of his strongest performances of the season.
Despite the Jets’ overall struggles this season, Gardner has been a bright spot. The 6-foot-3 cornerback has overcome a slow start to the year and has consistently proven to be a top-tier player in the secondary. However, this nagging hamstring injury now threatens to sideline him for the second time in his career, which could have significant implications for the Jets’ defensive game plan against the Dolphins.
At 3-9, the Jets’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Although they are not yet mathematically eliminated from contention, their chances of making the postseason are slim. So far, the only teams officially eliminated from playoff contention are the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots. Given the Jets’ current record and trajectory, however, they could be on the verge of being the next team knocked out of playoff contention if their losing streak continues.
The Jets’ season has been marred by a series of unfortunate events, including a less-than-ideal performance from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to play at his usual level, and ongoing dysfunction within the team’s upper management. These factors have contributed to a season that many had hoped would be much more promising for the team. If they are forced to take on the Dolphins without Gardner, the likelihood of the Jets’ season slipping further into disappointment increases significantly. Losing a player of Gardner’s caliber would only exacerbate their already daunting challenges and could lead to yet another missed opportunity for the franchise.