Travis Hunter injury: Jaguars rookie hurts knee in practice, will miss at least four games

The Jacksonville Jaguars placed rookie wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter on injured reserve Friday after he suffered a non-contact knee injury in practice on Thursday, coach Liam Coen said. Hunter will miss at least four games. 

Testing on Hunter's knee revealed that his ACL is intact, according to ESPN. Hunter will be further evaluated to determine the full extent of the injury and how long he will be sidelined. No definitive timetable is expected before next week, per ESPN.

The two-way rookie, selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, had gradually seen his role expand on both offense and defense. After a quiet start to the season, Hunter was being integrated more heavily in the passing game and rotated consistently in the secondary. The team had planned to further increase his touches following its bye week.

Travis Hunter was on the verge of breaking out at WR -- now a knee injury has put everything on hold

Jared Dubin

"We're currently assessing the injury just to determine the best course of action moving forward for Travis and for the team," Coen said Friday morning. "Feel bad for the guy, for the kid, for our team, everything, but he's in good spirits right now. Minor setback for a major comeback. That's just the way it's gotta be."

Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner at Colorado, has 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown through seven games. That lone score came during a 35-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in London, where he hauled in a 34-yard reception for his first NFL touchdown. Hunter had a season-high 101 yards receiving on eight receptions with 14 targets in that Week 7 loss.

What's next for the Jaguars with Hunter sidelined?

Hunter's versatility made him a unique weapon in Jacksonville's early-season surprise run, which saw the Jaguars start 4-1 before losing two straight games heading into the bye. Thursday's injury halts what had been a slow but steady ascent in usage on both sides of the ball.

The Jaguars, 4-3 in Coen's first season as coach, return to action this Sunday on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders. Hunter could be eligible to return in Week 13 against AFC South rival Tennessee Titans, but that depends on the severity of his injury. 

Hunter is the Jaguars' second-leading receiver this season behind Brian Thomas Jr., who has 27 receptions for 365 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange are the only other players over 200 yards receiving. With Hunter sidelined, Dyami Brown and veteran Tim Patrick -- who was limited in Thursday's practice along with Thomas -- could see an increased share of targets in the passing game.

Coen said he is confident the team can adapt without Hunter.

"I have a lot of confidence in these guys that it's a great opportunity for all of us to work through a little adversity and the guys to perform at a high level," Coen said.