The Indianapolis Colts traded for cornerback Sauce Gardner midseason in 2025 and gave up their next two first-round picks as well as wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in return for the former All-Pro. That, of course, forces Gardner to play at an elite level to be worth two first-rounders.

He has to stay healthy to prove worthy of that, though, and he’s struggled with that a bit in Indy. He missed four of eight games last season, and he is going to miss Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings, too. He has a left calf strain, is considered week-to-week, but one of those weeks won’t be Sunday.

He hurt the same calf last season, but seemingly in a different area of the calf. That might be important because it means that the issue might not be a structural one, but simply bad luck. That’s the hope anyway, as false as that might be.

Sauce Gardner won’t play for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7

Against most teams, Indianapolis might be OK if Sauce Gardner is out. Not against the Vikings. Minnesota has Justin Jefferson, one of the best wide receivers in the league, and Jordan Addison. While Minnesota’s offensive strength isn’t simply throwing the ball, a Colts defense missing Gardner might turn it into that.

Indianapolis will also be without excellent tight end Tyler Warren. He injured his groin and missed Week 6, too. The team will also be without Alec Pierce, who hasn’t been activated from injured reserve after re-injuring his heel early in the season. His timeline for return remains unknown.

The Colts will also be without kick and punt returner Anthony Gould. He is dealing with lingering effects from a concussion and definitely doesn’t need to be rushed back. Taking his place will likely be either Seth McGowan or Deion Burks. The rookies have been fine in spot duty as returners.

Sauce Gardner injury history:October 2023 – Concussion (missed one game)December 2024 – Hamstring injury (missed one game)November 2025 – Left calf strain (missed four games)October 2026 – Left calf strain (missed one game so far)

Gardner is only 25 years old, so injuring the same leg twice in a row is a bit concerning. Seemingly, the injury is to a different place on his calf, but still…Colts fans will likely keep an eye on how healthy the cornerback can remain for the rest of his time in Indianapolis.

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