One of the most exciting trade deadlines in recent memory came to a head when the Indianapolis Colts took an almighty swing. Already shattering every expectation placed upon them, a 7-2 record had them at the top of the AFC, even as they entered the season with a quarterback battle on their hands.
But, thanks to the success that Daniel Jones had in the lineup, their position strengthened by the week. Now a potential contender, the franchise made a blockbuster move to add Sauce Gardner to the lineup in an attempt to improve the only real weakness on the roster. However, will his services be available to them right from the get-go?
Will Sauce Gardner Play Against the Falcons?
The best offense in the league all season long has been on pace to stand with the likes of the 2007 New England Patriots and the 2019 Kansas City Chiefs. However, the defense for the Colts has been mediocre throughout the year.
Ranked 15th on PFSN’s Defense Impact, they also have to deal with a neck injury to DeForest Buckner that has placed him on the injured reserve list. But the record and the talent on the roster have the organization convinced they can compete.
As a result, they were willing to trade two first-round picks to bring in Sauce Gardner to the fold. A two-time All-Pro in his first two years in the NFL, he has regularly been among the best corners in the entire league.
The idea had to be that he could make a major difference to their pass defense. But a concussion suffered in Week 7 had unfortunately kept him out of action in Week 8. Thanks to a bye week for the New York Jets in Week 9, he wasn’t able to clear the protocols.
When the Colts take on the Atlanta Falcons in an international game on Sunday, though, the superstar corner is indeed going to be in the lineup. Clearing the concussion protocols, he has been a full participant at practice every day of the week.
As a result, he is walking into the game with no injury designations. “I just knew like I was coming into a great situation,” were his immediate words about joining Indianapolis. “They’re winning right now, so, like, what can I add?”
Already making himself at home in the locker room, he can be a major piece of the puzzle if the Colts want to succeed at the highest level. “It’s a great group of guys already here, and that’s what makes it even more special. Dominant offense, dominant defense.”
It sounds like he’s ready to contribute to the team in a meaningful way. “I’m just grateful to be a part of something special that they were already building here. I look to just add a lot on and off the field here.”
With no injury designations for the game, the fan base should get its first glimpse of its new addition against the Falcons. Featuring two excellent pass catchers in Bijan Robinson and Drake London, Gardner is certainly going to have his work cut out for him.
But it also serves as a tremendous first challenge to incorporate him into the thick of things right from the offset.
