Overview
- Gardner started in Week 17 after missing three games with a Week 13 calf strain, then exited late in the third quarter with tightness and was listed as questionable to return but did not re-enter.
- Head coach Shane Steichen said the calf was tight and the team played it safe, while Gardner said he asked not to be ruled out and did not believe he re-strained it.
- The cornerback practiced Friday for the first time since the injury and played despite the Colts being eliminated from playoff contention a day earlier by Houston’s win.
- Before leaving, Gardner logged three tackles and a key pass breakup that helped force a Jaguars three-and-out.
- Steichen said Gardner would need to be “really good to go” to play in Week 18, and the team’s high draft investment at the trade deadline has drawn scrutiny as his availability remains in flux.