Should I Start Ahmad Gardner?

Monday, August 25, 3:12 PM

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) is on track to be available for Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. Gardner was not spotted at practice on Monday, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini, but the lockdown corner has the next two weeks to return to action before the season opener. The 24-year-old returned to practice last week, so the Jets are likely just taking it easy on Gardner early this week. Because opposing quarterbacks often avoid challenging Gardner, he's not much of a fantasy asset in IDP leagues, but he's one of the best defensive backs in football. The two-time All-Pro had 49 tackles (36 solo), his first career sack, an interception and nine pass breakups in 15 starts for the Jets in 2024 in his third year in the league.