The New York Jets continued their disastrous 2025 campaign in Week 7, suffering their seventh loss of the year in a 13-6 defeat against the Carolina Panthers.
This defeat was exacerbated by some concerning injury news for superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner.
The 25-year-old Gardner suffered a head injury during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium. He was evaluated for a concussion and ruled out for the remainder of the game.
After the contest, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Gardner suffered a concussion. The two-time All-Pro defensive back will now enter the NFL’s concussion protocol, which he’ll have to clear before returning to action for New York.
Gardner has a history of concussion issues. The former No. 4 overall pick missed a game with a concussion during his second professional season in 2023.
The 0-7 Jets put forth another brutal offensive showing in Sunday’s loss to the Panthers, recording just 220 yards of total offense. Quarterback Justin Fields was benched after the first three quarters, clearing the way for backup QB Tyrod Taylor to throw two interceptions.
Gardner isn’t the only injured star for the Jets. On the other side of the ball, wide receiver Garrett Wilson was ruled out before Sunday’s game with a knee injury he sustained during Week 6’s loss to the Denver Broncos in London.
The Jets will look to notch their first win of the 2025 season in a Week 8 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals this coming Sunday. Gardner will need to pass the league’s five-step protocol and be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to be available for that game.
After their Week 8 matchup against the Bengals, the Jets will limp into their Week 9 bye — possibly as the last remaining winless team in the NFL.
