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Sauce Gardner takes ‘step forward’ ahead of Colts-Jaguars game
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- Sauce Gardner takes ‘step forward’ ahead of Colts-Jaguars game
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The Indianapolis Colts received an encouraging update on star cornerback Sauce Gardner as they prepare for a pivotal Week 17 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars .
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On Thursday, the Colts listed Gardner as a limited participant on their injury report, signaling progress after he missed the team's last two games. The designation comes as Indianapolis looks to keep its postseason hopes alive entering Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff on FOX.
The Colts clarified the report on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"thursday's practice report for #JAXvsIND.
we did not practice on Thursday. today's practice report is only an estimation of a player's participation if there was a practice."
Gardner, 25, sat out Indianapolis' Week 16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football , a 48-27 defeat that extended the Colts' losing streak to six games. He has been sidelined due to lingering injury concerns but now appears to be trending toward a possible return at a critical point in the season.
Sauce Gardner 's status key as Colts face Jaguars in uphill Week 17 playoff push
A former First-team All-Pro, Gardner has appeared in 10 games this season split between the New York Jets and the Colts. Across those appearances, he has totaled 33 tackles — 26 solo and seven assisted — along with eight passes defended and 1.5 stuffs. Since joining Indianapolis, Gardner has played in three games, recording 13 tackles, including 11 solo stops, with two passes defended.
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Indianapolis enters Week 17 with an 8-7 record, a sharp downturn after opening the season 8-2. The Colts currently sit outside the AFC playoff picture and face steep odds down the stretch. According to the New York Times Playoff Simulator, Indianapolis holds a 3% chance of reaching the postseason.
Sunday's matchup presents a significant challenge, as Jacksonville arrives with an 11-4 record and remains firmly in contention atop the AFC South. The Jaguars' offense has consistently tested opposing secondaries, making Gardner's potential availability a notable storyline for Indianapolis' defensive outlook.
Following the game against Jacksonville, the Colts will close the regular season on the road in Week 18 against the Houston Texans (10-5). That matchup is expected to be flexed as playoff positioning continues to take shape across the conference.
For now, Gardner's limited status represents a step forward as Indianapolis searches for momentum in the season's final weeks.
Related: Jaguars vs. Colts bold predictions for Week 17 clash
Related: Colts' Philip Rivers earns 'best leader' endorsement from breakout wide receiver
