Colts CB Sauce Gardner clears concussion protocol ahead of game vs. Falcons

The Indianapolis Colts' newly acquired All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner cleared concussion protocol on Thursday and is expected to play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in Berlin.

The Colts sent first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell at the trade deadline on Tuesday to the New York Jets for Gardner, 25.

He recorded 20 tackles and six passes defensed in the first seven games this season before missing the Week 8 win at Cincinnati in concussion protocol. The Jets (1-7) had a bye last weekend. He was a full participant at the Colts' practice on Wednesday.

Indianapolis (7-2) is tied with the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos for the best record in the NFL through nine weeks.

"I've barely slept," Gardner said Wednesday of adjusting to his new team and preparing for his next game. "Every single minute that I've had being here in Indianapolis, I'm doing something -- whether it's with the trainings, whether it's filling out paperwork, whether it's practice, watching film ... it's been a crazy 48 hours. Obviously, it's midseason, so this has been the craziest 48 hours."

Gardner was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and is a two-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro first-team selection since being drafted with the No. 4 overall pick in 2022.

He signed a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension in July that made him the NFL's highest-paid player at his position with a $30.1 million average annual value.

Gardner has recorded three interceptions, 46 passes defensed, 201 tackles and one forced fumble in 55 games (all starts).

--Field Level Media