Colts energized by Sauce Gardner trade, hope CB plays in Berlin - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts aren't wasting any time getting their new star onto the field, and they similarly aren't shying away from the symbolism of their big acquisition.

Sauce Gardner joined his new Colts teammates for practice Wednesday and intends to play Sunday against the Falcons in Berlin if he clears concussion protocol, according to coach Shane Steichen.

Gardner was dealt to Indianapolis by the Jets for two first-round draft picks and receiver Adonai Mitchell just before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. The star cornerback suffered a concussion in the Jets' Week 8 win over the Bengals.

Because New York was on a bye week last week, Gardner did not have time to clear protocol.

But on Wednesday, in his first comments since the trade, Steichen was clear about his intent to have Gardner suit up against Atlanta.

«That's the plan,» Steichen said.

And the Colts, it seems, have much grander plans for Gardner and their team generally.

The blockbuster trade, one of the boldest in franchise history, sent a jolt of energy through Colts headquarters and the locker room, specifically.

The Colts, tied for the best record in the NFL at 7-2, are being viewed as making the move with the intent of contending for the Super Bowl this season. The front office and ownership made a win-now decision in forking over the future picks, and players didn't shy away from that idea.

«I think they obviously believe in our team and [what] we can do this year,» quarterback Daniel Jones said. «This year, we've played well. There's still a lot in front of us and we've got to continue to improve and play well week to week.

»But we as players, when you see that movement from ownership, from management and the coaches, I think it definitely gives you