On Thursday afternoon, Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner mysteriously popped up on the injury report.
Ahead of Sunday’s game against the Bills, Gardner suffered a groin injury on Thursday and was limited in practice.
However, Gardner practiced on Friday and will play against Buffalo.
“I think he’ll be OK,” Glenn said Friday morning.
If Gardner missed Sunday’s game, it would have been problematic for the Jets. Even with Gardner on the field, Aaron Rodgers threw for four touchdowns in their 34-32 victory against the Jets last weekend.
However, Gardner was terrific against Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf after lining up against him for 30 of 34 pass plays, according to Next Gen Stats. He allowed just one catch for 11 yards when lining up against Metcalf.
Gardner, who received a four-year, $120.4 million extension ahead of training camp, is now shadowing the opposing team’s No. 1 receiver. In previous seasons, Gardner would usually stick to one side and play a lot of zone coverage.
Brandon Stephens, who plays opposite Gardner, allowed five catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns against the Steelers. He also gave up the touchdown that put the Steelers up 31-26 early in the fourth quarter.
“I think if you speak with him, which you probably already have, he will tell you that there are some things that he needs to improve on from that game,” Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said. “Number one is just really with his eyes. So, I’m still a big Brandon Stephens fan, and he’s going to do a great job for us as we progress and win football games this year.”
In addition to Gardner, Jets running back/returner Kene Nwangwu and wide receiver Josh Reynolds are both dealing with hamstring injuries and will not play against the Bills. Defensive tackle Jay Tufele, who did not practice this week due to an illness, will also miss Sunday’s game. Tight end Mason Taylor (ankle) and cornerback Michael Carter II (shoulder) are both listed as questionable.
