Stephen Holder
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts aren't losing any time getting their new star onto the sphere, and so they equally aren't shying away from the symbolism of their massive acquisition.
Sauce Gardner joined his new Colts teammates for observe Wednesday and intends to play Sunday in opposition to the Falcons in Berlin if he clears concussion protocol, based on coach Shane Steichen.
Gardner was dealt to Indianapolis by the Jets for 2 first-round draft picks and receiver Adonai Mitchell simply earlier than Tuesday's NFL commerce deadline. The star cornerback suffered a concussion within the Jets' Week 8 win over the Bengals.
As a result of New York was on a bye week final week, Gardner didn't have time to clear protocol.
However on Wednesday, in his first feedback for the reason that commerce, Steichen was clear about his intent to have Gardner swimsuit up in opposition to Atlanta.
“That is the plan,” Steichen mentioned.
And the Colts, it appears, have a lot grander plans for Gardner and their crew usually.
The blockbuster commerce, one of many boldest in franchise historical past, despatched a jolt of vitality via Colts headquarters and the locker room, particularly.
The Colts, tied for one of the best file within the NFL at 7-2, are being considered as making the transfer with the intent of contending for the Tremendous Bowl this season. The entrance workplace and possession made a win-now choice in forking over the long run picks, and gamers did not draw back from that concept.
“I feel they clearly imagine in our crew and [what] we are able to do that 12 months,” quarterback Daniel Jones mentioned. “This 12 months, we have performed effectively. There's nonetheless loads in entrance of us and we have got to proceed to enhance and play effectively week to week.
“However we as gamers, if you see that motion from possession, from administration and the coaches, I feel it undoubtedly offers you confidence.”
The transfer despatched a jolt of vitality via the locker room when gamers returned from a day without work on Wednesday morning. They have already got one of many NFL's most prolific offenses, led by Jones and league speeding chief Jonathan Taylor.
Now, the Colts hope, they may area some of the feared defensive backfields within the sport with Gardner, cornerback Charvarius Ward, slot nook Kenny Moore II and safeties Camryn Bynum and Nick Cross.
“That was most likely one of the best ‘good morning' we received in a crew assembly since I have been right here,” linebacker Zaire Franklin mentioned, recapping the ambiance in Wednesday's preliminary crew gathering. “It is undoubtedly nice vitality simply figuring out that the group and administration is believing in what you have received happening.
“You wish to make them proper.”
Gardner didn't converse with reporters, per concussion protocol pointers. However his school teammate and shut pal, receiver Alec Pierce, mentioned Gardner shall be rejuvenated by the commerce.
“I feel being on this setting and being on a crew that has a superb file, I feel that'll convey out one of the best out of him. … I feel he'll play as much as the usual,” Pierce mentioned. “I am excited to see what he can do.”
