Latest updates on the NY Jets’ star CB

The NY Jets are putting a tremendous amount of faith in All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. With the pass rush much weaker than last year and the team settling into a no-blitz scheme, they will rely on their top cornerback to shut down the opposing team's best receivers while Aaron Rodgers leads the offense.

Any snap where the highly touted corner isn't on the field is a cause for concern for Jets fans. That siren sounded immediately in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers. When the 49ers led 13-7 and got the ball back just before halftime while trying to score a point, Gardner was taken out of the game.

Oddly, Gardner was seen wearing a helmet on the sidelines and not surrounded by medical personnel. While some suspected his shoulder was injured, Lisa Salters confirmed on the broadcast that Gardner's absence was “not a medical issue” and that there was “nothing wrong” with him.

If these statements are to be believed, the only logical explanation for this is either a substitution or some sort of disciplinary infraction committed by Gardner. Considering how well he was playing previously, that doesn't seem to indicate it was performance-related. What's going on?

Oddly enough, Gardner returned to the game just as the 49ers were driving down the field. Could it have been a stinger?

According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Gardner was kneeling alone on the sideline before halftime. He reportedly stared at the ground and appeared frustrated. He walked to the locker room upset. About what? It's unclear.

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had trouble moving the ball through the air until the final drive, and there were only 33 yards between the one-two punches by Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Gardner and the pass defense did their job despite this strange situation.

Gardner also returned to the starting defense early in the second half. No update was given on why he was substituted.