Sauce Gardner says calf injury is ‘much more minor’ after exiting Week 6
Indianapolis Professional Football Team cornerback Sauce Gardner said Wednesday he is not worried about the calf injury that forced him out of Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. Gardner exited the game four plays into the third quarter and did not return, and he did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. He told reporters the current calf issue is in a different location on his leg and is much more minor than last year, according to a report by JJ Stankevitz on Colts.com.
Also absent from practice Wednesday was punter Rigoberto Sanchez. He sustained a right foot injury on a blocked punt in the second half Sunday but returned to hold for kicker Spencer Shrader. The team signed veteran punter Thomas Morstead to its practice squad Tuesday as an insurance policy, special teams coordinator Brian Mason said.
The Indianapolis Professional Football Team’s Wednesday report listed several nonparticipants: wide receiver Keenan Allen (rest), linebacker Bryce Boettcher (groin), guard Matt Goncalves (ankle) and wide receiver Anthony Gould (concussion). It also listed tight end Drew Ogletree (ankle), defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (personal), cornerback Justin Walley (knee), cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (rest) and tight end Tyler Warren (groin). The club released the report as it continued preparations for its Week 7 game.
Wide receiver Ashton Dulin (hamstring) and linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ribs) returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis; both had been sidelined since Week 4. The team posted a photo gallery from the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center that shows preparations for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7. Coaches and trainers will monitor the listed players as game day approaches.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Gardner’s assessment that this calf issue is in a different spot and is more minor than last year’s is encouraging for Indianapolis Professional Football Team fans and staff. His absence from practice Wednesday indicates the club will monitor him on a day-to-day basis. Adding Thomas Morstead to the practice squad provides an experienced insurance option while Rigoberto Sanchez is evaluated. With several players listed as nonparticipants, availability and depth will be factors as the club finalizes preparations for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7.