All-Pro cornerback ‘excited’ for New York Jets’ joint practice opportunities | Sporting News

Sauce Gardner was one of the 28 players inactive on the New York Jets‘ sideline during Saturday’s preseason lid-lifter at MetLife Stadium.

The Jets’ two-time All-Pro First Team cornerback likely won’t play much, if at all, in the remaining exhibition games, and he’s stated his willingness to accept whatever assignment he’s given.

“I wouldn’t be against it. I really don’t care,” said Gardner following last week’s joint practice against the Washington Commanders. “I love the game of football, so if he [Robert Saleh] tells me yeah, you’re playing for this long, I’m gonna play. It ain’t going to be nothing to really talk about.”

The Jets contested four preseason games in 2023, starting with the Hall of Fame Game, and Gardner didn’t dress until the finale. The CB1 recorded eight snaps with the starters in the annual exhibition against the New York Giants.

Gardner, who will turn 24 years old on August 31, took valuable practice reps in the week leading up to the preseason opener. He indirectly confirmed the notion that joint practices are becoming more important for veterans than preseason games.

“I came in today, I was excited,” said Gardner in the aftermath of the combined session with the Commanders. “It felt like gameday and that’s all you can ask for. Like, you know you’re probably not going to play in the preseason game, but you still have the opportunity to line up against another team.”

The Jets will participate in a joint practice on the road later this week when they meet the Carolina Panthers on August 15. The preseason game between the two is slated for August 17 at 7 p.m. ET.

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