After an already trying season, it’s leading to a disastrous Halloween season. With their loss to the Carolina Panthers this week, the New York Jets are now 0-7. Despite a turnaround from the defense, their offense took a massive step back. No matter whether it was Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor, it’s been a tough watch for the quarterback room. Another step closer to the first overall pick, perhaps? Of course, the offense was going to struggle without star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. But things are going to get rough on defense. After the game, head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed star cornerback Sauce Gardner suffered a concussion. With the loss of Sauce Gardner, New York will be without their best player in the secondary for a bit.
Sauce Gardner suffered concussion during Jets’ Week 7 loss to Panthers https://t.co/xAfuBD75Ne pic.twitter.com/KF20Kt0fLZ
— SNY (@SNYtv) October 19, 2025
NY Jets Star Sauce Gardner Suffers Concussion
After leaving London with a loss to the Denver Broncos, New York was happy to be back at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. After a difficult time on defense, the Jets have allowed under 14 points in the last two games. However, it’s the seventh week in a row New York hasn’t secured a win. Tensions are in the air, and it’s already led to changes. Despite not throwing an interception, quarterback Justin Fields continued to hold the offense back. Indecisiveness and ball placement issues have stalled drives and forced Aaron Glenn’s hand after being down 10-3 at the half. As a result, veteran Tyrod Taylor remained the quarterback for the entire second half.
On the whole, it wasn’t much better. Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn intercepted two of Taylor’s passes, including a potential touchdown to Arian Smith in the endzone. But the offense did move the ball down the field more effectively without Fields. Alas, the offense will continue to struggle without Garrett Wilson. In addition, the defense will lose a major piece as well. Prior to the fourth quarter, star cornerback Sauce Gardner went to the locker room. He did not play the entire quarter. During his post-game press conference, Aaron Glenn confirmed to the media that Gardner indeed suffered a concussion.
Cornerback Options to Replace Gardner While He’s Out
Regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, the absence of Sauce Gardner will be felt. Especially with a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on the road. With veterans Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the field, New York’s secondary will need to be flawless to have a chance. With a spark needed at cornerback in the meantime, expect rookie Azareye’h Thomas to see more playing time. The third round pick was selected out of Florida State in this year’s draft. I’d also expect more opportunities for new cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr, who has acclimated himself well after being acquired from the Tennessee Titans.
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – Imagn Images
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