Colts CB Gardner suffers noncontact calf injury

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner sustained a left calf injury early in Sunday's game against the Houston Texans and was ruled out for the remainder of his team's 20-16 loss.

After the game, Gardner said he believed the injury was not an Achilles tear, as was feared.

"I think it's like a strain," he said.

He added that it "felt like I got shot in the calf. But it was higher" than the Achilles. But Gardner said an MRI would be required to make an official diagnosis.

After the game, Gardner had been supplied with crutches by the medical staff, but he was walking without any assistance and without a walking boot after showering and dressing into his street clothes.

Gardner was in coverage away from the action on the Texans' second play from scrimmage when he went down with a noncontact injury. He remained on the ground for an extended period while trainers attended to him, then he limped off with assistance. After a quick examination in the injury tent, Gardner was helped to the locker room.

Sunday marked Gardner's third game with Indianapolis since he was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the New York Jets. Gardner, the No. 4 pick in the 2022 draft and a two-time first-team All-Pro selection, was traded to the Colts for two first-round picks and receiver Adonai Mitchell.

Sunday was going to be just the second game pairing Gardner with fellow cornerback Charvarius Ward, who was signed during the offseason to a three-year contract averaging $18 million. Ward had been on injured reserve after back-to-back concussions.