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Jets Share Sauce Gardner Injury News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 1:25 PM ET

Fans won't get to watch the most anticipated preseason matchup of this weekend's slate. Malik Nabers was held out of practice as he continues to work his way back from a toe injury, and now Sauce Gardner is also dealing with an ailment of his own.

The Cincinnati product didn't suit up for the New York Jets' joint practice with the New York Giants because of a calf injury. Even so, head coach Aaron Gleen doesn't think it's going to be a long-term issue.

The Jets will evaluate Sauce Gardner's calf injury, says Aaron Gleen

“I anticipate him playing this week, so, that's good," Glenn told the media. "Sauce wasn't out today; he has calf soreness. We'll continue to evaluate him and see exactly where he’s at."

Coach Glenn says Sauce Gardner is dealing with calf soreness pic.twitter.com/wy7IVkCP7b
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 13, 2025

Even so, we've seen how tricky calf injuries can be, so the Jets will be wise to err on the side of caution with their superstar defensive back. Those ailments have often led to Achilles injuries, and they need to give him as much time as he needs to get back to full strength.

The Jets can't afford to lose Gardner for long. They just made him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history by giving him a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension last month, and he'll be instrumental to what they can do in the first year of the Aaron Glenn era.

Also, given how heated things usually get in joint practices, there's just no point in risking further injury if he's not at 100%.

The Jets and Giants will meet at MetLife Stadium on Saturday before closing out the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 22.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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