Gardner (calf) returned to practice Tuesday, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner missed some practice time last week and sat out the Jets' second preseason game this past Saturday. The newly-minted highest-paid cornerback is expected to be fine for New York's season opener against the Steelers on Sept. 7.

Gardner (calf) didn't play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Giants, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Aaron Glenn said Gardner is still dealing with soreness in his calf. He missed practice most of this past week, but the severity of the injury isn't known. There's been no indication that Gardner is in jeopardy of missing Week 1 against the Steelers in three weeks.

Gardner (calf) sat out practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner is suffering from calf soreness and will have tests done, head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters. The 2022 fourth overall pick became the highest paid cornerback in July, and it is likely the Jets are being cautious with the leader of their secondary. He appeared in the first quarter of last Saturday's preseason opener in Green Bay, and his status is up in the air for this week's game against the Giants.

The Jets and Gardner agreed to terms on a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

In back-to-back days, the Jets have locked in two of their first-round picks from the 2022 Draft after WR Garrett Wilson agreed to a four-year extension Monday. This deal for Gardner includes $85.653 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, and also makes him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL in terms of average annual value. Through his first three pro seasons, Gardner has been a first-team All-Pro two times, though he does have only three interceptions among 41 pass defenses in 48 regular-season appearances. He'll continue to serve as a shut-down corner in New York's defense through the 2030 campaign.

Gardner is present for the Jets' mandatory minicamp, although he continues to seek a new deal, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he's coming off of a 2024 campaign in which he recorded 49 total tackles (36 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding nine passes defensed, one of which was an interception, over 15 regular-season games with the Jets. The cornerback is considered to be amongst the best in the league, and with Jaycee Horn and Derek Stingley amongst those resetting the market at their position this offseason, Gardner is looking to get a long-term deal as well.

The Jets exercised Gardner's fifth-year option Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner has been one of the NFL's top cornerbacks since entering the league in 2022, so it's no surprise the Jets picked up his fifth-year option. The 24-year-old received first-team All-Pro honors in each of his first two seasons, tallying 132 total tackles, 31 passes defended, including two interceptions, and one forced fumble across 33 regular-season games during that span. Despite having the worst year of his career in 2024, Gardner is expected to bounce back and remain one of the league's best defensive playmakers in 2025.

Jets general manager Darren Mougey said Monday that the team intends to exercise the fifth-year options of Gardner (hamstring), Garrett Wilson and Jermaine Johnson (Achilles), Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner, Wilson and Johnson were all selected by New York in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and the Jets plan to extend all of their rookie contracts through 2026. The No. 4 overall pick of that draft year, Gardner's guaranteed base salary in 2026 will project at $20.1 million guaranteed, though he will work to negotiate a long-term extension before then. A hamstring injury forced Gardner to spend the final game of the 2024 regular season on IR, but he projects to be fully ready for the start of mandatory offseason activities.

The Jets placed Gardner (hamstring) on injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner was already ruled out for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins due to a hamstring injury. His placement on IR opens up a spot on the Jets' 53-man roster for Bruce Hector. Gardner will end the 2024 regular season with 49 tackles (36 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and nine pass defenses (including one interception) across 15 games.

Gardner (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

D.J. Reed, Brandin Echols and Isaiah Oliver should see the bulk of the snaps at cornerback for the Jets in the Week 18 finale. Gardner has been dealing with the hamstring injury for weeks and was in and out of the game in Weeks 16 and 17. The No. 4 overall pick of the 2022 Draft, Gardner wraps up a disappointing third season with 49 tackles (36 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and nine pass breakups, including one interception.

Gardner (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice estimation, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner first hurt his hamstring Week 16 versus the Rams. He was able to suit up this past Sunday versus Buffalo but departed early in the third quarter after aggravating the issue and was unable to return. Considering the nature of hamstring injuries, Gardner is at risk of missing Sunday's season finale against the Dolphins. Brandin Echols would likely step in and start if Gardner can't suit up.