What Is Sauce Gardner's Timeline for Return from Injury? Latest Rumors on Colts CB

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner's calf injury might only be a short-term issue.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Gardner isn't expected to be placed on injured reserve with the idea he could return within a four-week window.

Gardner injured his calf in the first quarter of Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans. It initially appeared to be a significant injury since he was helped off the field.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Monday that Gardner's Achilles was "good to go," but he would "probably miss some time."

Steichen added that an IR stint was likely not necessary for Gardner. A move to injured reserve would have kept the two-time Pro Bowler out until at least Week 18.

Even though the Colts aren't planning on putting Gardner on IR right now, Steichen didn't provide a timetable for him to return.

Indianapolis acquired Gardner before the trade deadline on Nov. 4 in a stunning move. The Colts sent two first-round draft picks to the New York Jets in exchange for the star defensive back.

Gardner has recorded 13 combined tackles and two passes defensed in three starts since the trade.

The Colts (8-4), who have lost back-to-back games since their Week 11 bye, have the hardest remaining strength of schedule in the NFL. Their final five opponents are the Jacksonville Jaguars (twice), Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Texans.

Those teams are a combined 33-16 entering Week 14. The Colts are tied with the Jaguars for first place in the AFC South, with the Texans one game behind them.

The Colts and Jaguars will play for the first time this season on Sunday in Jacksonville.