The NY Jets are putting an inordinate amount of faith in All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. With the pass rush much weaker than last year and the team committed to a scheme that doesn’t feature blitzes, they’ll be relying on their top cornerback to shut down the opposing team’s best receivers while Aaron Rodgers runs the offense.

Any snap where the vaunted cornerback isn’t on the field is cause for panic among Jets fans. That horn went off immediately in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers. With the 49ers up 13-7 and getting the ball back while trying to score just before halftime, Gardner was pulled from the game.

Oddly enough, Gardner was seen on the sidelines with his helmet on and not surrounded by medical staff. While some thought his shoulder was injured, Lisa Salters confirmed on-air that Gardner’s absence is “not a medical issue” and that there is “nothing wrong” with him.

If we are to believe them, the only logical explanation for this is a benching or some sort of disciplinary violation that Gardner committed. Given how well he played previously, it doesn’t seem to suggest that it was performance related. What’s going on?

Oddly enough, Gardner re-entered the game 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 then stormed into the locker room angry. About what? It’s unclear.

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggled to get the ball through the air until the final drive, and the 1-2 punch of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel have just 33 yards between them. Gardner and the pass defense have done their job, even in this strange situation.

Gardner also returned to the starting defense when the second half began. No update was given on why he was removed.