The Minnesota Vikings' offense looks to continue improving after their bye week as they face a reeling Indianapolis Colts squad. Entering Week 6, the Colts' defense ranks 24th in yards allowed and is tied for 23rd in EPA/play allowed. They will also be shorthanded, with one of their top defenders sidelined on Sunday.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner, who Indianapolis acquired in a trade with the New York Jets last November, will be "week-to-week" with a calf strain, Ian Rapaport reported on Monday.
Gardner, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft, was a first-team All-Pro in each of his first two years. This season, he has allowed 11 catches for 226 yards and two touchdowns on 18 targets, but he is just one of many Indianapolis defenders struggling.
His absence will be felt as the Vikings are expected to have Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson all back on the field together for the first time since the first drive of their Week 3 game at Tampa Bay. The Colts' injury report, meanwhile, extends beyond Gardner, with nickel corner Justin Walley (knee) missing practice Wednesday.
Minnesota spent the bye week getting healthy. Indianapolis, which fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, is trying to deal with an injured roster.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings won't have to worry about the Colts' star defender in Week 7
