FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Cornerback Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets will miss the season-ending game against the Miami Dolphins due to a hamstring injury.
Gardner has been struggling with this injury since Week 13, missing the Jets’ previous encounter with the Dolphins shortly after. Although he made an appearance against Buffalo last week, he had to exit the game in the first half and did not return.
In his third NFL season, Gardner has managed to secure one interception, achieve one sack, defend nine passes, and complete 49 tackles. He has been recognized as both an All-Pro and Pro Bowl player during his first two seasons.
The Jets, currently standing at 4-12, will conclude their season this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Meanwhile, the Dolphins, at 8-8, will need a victory while also hoping for a loss from Denver against Kansas City to secure a playoff berth for the third consecutive year.
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich mentioned that several players, including tight end Tyler Conklin (calf), defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (hamstring), right tackle Morgan Moses (knee), and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle), will be game-time decisions. Although all four players were labeled as questionable, Conklin and Vera-Tucker participated in practice with limitations, while Williams and Moses did not take part at all.
Additionally, defensive tackle Leki Fotu is doubtful for the matchup due to a knee injury. With the announcement of safety Chuck Clark being placed on injured reserve due to a torn pectoral muscle, Ulbrich indicated that Ashtyn Davis would be starting alongside Tony Adams in the secondary.
In other news, linebacker Jamien Sherwood has gone from a backup position to being recognized as his teammates’ MVP this season.
“This season has posed numerous challenges, and it didn’t unfold as we anticipated,” Sherwood stated after the final practice. “However, receiving this acknowledgment from teammates and fellow players, including future Hall of Famers and Pro Bowlers, is incredibly meaningful to me.”
Sherwood, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2021 draft from Auburn, transitioned from safety to linebacker. He started seven games in his first three NFL seasons before stepping into a full-time role following an injury to C.J. Mosley this season. Sherwood currently leads the Jets with 148 tackles, having recorded a personal best of 18 tackles in the previous game against Miami.
“You would be hard pressed to find a harder worker, not just in our facility, but across the entire NFL,” Ulbrich commented.
As Sherwood heads into free agency this offseason, Ulbrich expressed enthusiasm for his future. “I’m thrilled for what lies ahead for him,” Ulbrich said. “He’s established himself as a player that teams will covet, and he’ll be justly rewarded for his hard work.”