INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts' defense is facing a big loss for at least the remainder of Sunday's matchup with the Houston Texans.

On just the second snap of the group's day, cornerback Sauce Gardner dropped back in coverage and broke to follow his man before hopping around on one foot and ultimately going to the ground.

Gardner was tended to by trainers for a few moments before being helped up and then flanked by medical staff to the sideline. He was then taken into the blue medical tent for evaluation before trainers helped him to the locker room.

Gardner could not put weight on his left leg, and right away, the Colts designated Gardner as questionable to return to the game with a calf injury. At the end of the first quarter, he was officially ruled out.

Mekhi Blackmon replaced Gardner in the lineup. Gardner later returned to the sideline in the second quarter, sporting a big gray boot on his left foot.

On Nov. 4, the Colts traded for Gardner at the NFL's trade deadline, sending their next two first-round draft picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell to the New York Jets in exchange.

In two games with the Colts this year, Gardner has 13 tackles and two pass breakups.

Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.