New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner will not participate in the season finale against the Miami Dolphins due to a hamstring injury sustained since Week 13. Gardner missed the previous matchup with the Dolphins and left last week’s game against Buffalo in the first half. Despite the injury, he completed his third season with one interception, a sack, nine passes defensed, and 49 tackles, maintaining his status as an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection.

The Jets, who are finishing their season with a 4-12 record, will host the Dolphins, who are vying for a playoff spot. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced that several players, including tight end Tyler Conklin and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, are game-time decisions due to various injuries.

Linebacker Jamien Sherwood has been recognized as the Jets’ MVP by his teammates, reflecting his growth from a backup to a key player. Sherwood leads the team with 148 tackles and has shown remarkable dedication and energy throughout the season, earning praise from Ulbrich. As he approaches free agency, there's optimism about his future in the league.

The Miami Dolphins face a challenging Week 18 matchup as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains doubtful due to ongoing injury concerns. Meanwhile, veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell has emerged on the injury report with a neck issue, raising questions about his availability for the game. The Dolphins also have several wide receivers listed as questionable, including Tyreek Hill, who missed practice due to illness, and Jaylen Waddle, who is dealing with a knee injury.

Additionally, Dee Eskridge has been added to the injury report with a finger injury, leaving the Dolphins with only three healthy wide receivers on their roster. The team could look to elevate a player from the practice squad to bolster their receiving corps. On the line, tackle Terron Armstead practiced for the first time this week, while safety Jevon Holland continues to battle a wrist injury. In contrast, safety Jordan Poyer has been cleared to play against the Jets.

On the other side, the New York Jets have ruled out cornerback Sauce Gardner due to a hamstring injury, while defensive lineman Leki Fotu is doubtful despite recent practice participation. Four other Jets players are listed as questionable, including tight end Tyler Conklin and offensive linemen Morgan Moses and Alijah Vera-Tucker, alongside defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Both teams are navigating significant injury challenges as they prepare for this crucial matchup.

The Miami Dolphins are facing a challenging injury situation as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's hip issue remains a focal point. On Wednesday, three starters, tackle Terron Armstead, safety Jordan Poyer, and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., were unable to practice due to various injuries. Armstead had previously exited the Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, while Walker missed that game entirely. Poyer, despite his knee and finger issues, managed to start.

Additionally, Tagovailoa, along with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and safety Jevon Holland, were listed as limited participants in practice. The Dolphins also noted punter Jake Bailey's back injury, while linebacker Duke Riley was a full participant despite a foot issue.

On the other side, the New York Jets' injury report reflected a walk-through practice, leading to an estimation of player statuses. Five players were marked as Did Not Practice (DNP), including cornerback Sauce Gardner, defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. Tight end Tyler Conklin and tackle Morgan Moses also fell under the DNP category, while guard John Simpson was limited due to a groin injury.

The New York Jets are currently facing a challenging period, marked by a 14-year playoff drought, the longest in North American sports, and a ninth consecutive losing season. As the team prepares for an extensive search for a new general manager and head coach, one notable decision stands out during Joe Douglas's tenure: the trade of safety Jamal Adams.

Drafted sixth overall in 2017, Adams quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker for the Jets. He earned two Pro Bowl selections and was recognized on the All-Pro teams during his first three seasons. However, despite his impressive performance, the Jets were unwilling to meet his salary demands, leading Adams to request a trade. The Jets complied, trading him to the Seattle Seahawks alongside a fourth-round pick for a significant haul of draft picks.

In return for Adams, the Jets received first-round picks in 2021 and 2022, as well as a third-round pick in 2021. This trade allowed the Jets to acquire key players like offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker and wide receiver Garrett Wilson, adding valuable pieces to their roster. Meanwhile, Adams's performance with the Seahawks has declined, plagued by injuries and a lack of impact on the field. Reflecting on his decision, Adams has expressed regret, acknowledging the emotional nature of his trade request and the impact it had on both himself and the Jets' fanbase.

In a concerning development for the New York Jets, wide receiver Davante Adams missed practice on Thursday due to a hip injury, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills. This follows a disappointing performance against the Los Angeles Rams, where Adams managed seven receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown, bringing his season totals to 56 catches for 719 yards and six touchdowns across nine games since joining the Jets from Las Vegas. With only 72 yards needed to reach his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season, Adams has been a key player for the Jets this year.

In addition to Adams, cornerback Sauce Gardner is also a significant concern, having missed the second half of the game against the Rams due to a hamstring issue. His status for the Bills game remains uncertain, especially since he previously missed a game due to a hamstring injury earlier in the season. Right tackle Morgan Moses and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker have been playing through their injuries in recent weeks, which raises questions about their effectiveness on the field.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has been dealing with a minor MCL issue, practiced fully and expressed determination to play despite his injury. Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams was limited in practice after missing the previous game, and several other players, including left guard John Simpson and defensive end Haason Reddick, were also limited or sidelined due to various ailments. The Jets are facing a challenging situation as they prepare for a crucial matchup against their division rivals.