Travis Hunter Injury Update: Will Jaguars’ Two-Way Rookie Return After Knee Injury?

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter has officially been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a knee injury during Thursday’s practice, head coach Liam Coen confirmed Friday. The move sidelines the team’s two-way sensation for at least four games — and possibly the rest of the 2025 NFL season.

The decision comes as a blow to Jacksonville’s plans, as Hunter was emerging as one of the league’s most intriguing rookies, playing on both offense and defense. His unique versatility made him a rare NFL player capable of contributing as both a wide receiver and cornerback — a challenge few have attempted at the professional level.

Travis Hunter’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

According to Coen, Hunter’s knee injury was non-contact and occurred during practice drills. While the team did not disclose specific medical details, the decision to place him on injured reserve immediately suggests a more serious concern than initially hoped. Going on IR guarantees Hunter will miss at least four weeks, keeping him out until at least Week 13.

The Jaguars will face the Raiders, Texans, Chargers, and Cardinals during that stretch. Depending on the results of further medical evaluations, his absence could extend much longer. Internal sources described the move as “precautionary but significant,” hinting that the team will not rush the rookie’s return given his long-term value.

Before the setback, Hunter had been ramping up production. He recorded his first career touchdown — a 34-yard score — and eight receptions for 101 yards in the team’s Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in London. That performance was expected to mark the start of a larger offensive role after the bye week.

Hunter’s Impact on Jaguars’ Offense and Defense

Hunter’s two-way contributions were unprecedented for a rookie. Through seven games, he logged 324 snaps at wide receiver and 162 at cornerback. Offensively, he led the Jaguars with 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, he added 15 tackles and three pass breakups, showing flashes of the playmaking ability that earned him the 2024 Heisman Trophy at Colorado.

His absence forces Jacksonville to adjust both depth charts. On offense, rookie wideout Brian Thomas Jr. now becomes the clear top target, while Dyami Brown and Parker Washington are expected to rotate into Hunter’s slot role. Defensively, cornerback Jourdan Lewis and Greg Newsome II will shoulder added responsibility in coverage packages.

What the Injury Means for Jacksonville’s Season

The loss of Hunter complicates an already uneven Jaguars campaign. The team, which entered Week 9 with a 3–4 record, relied heavily on Hunter’s dynamic presence to spark creativity in Coen’s new system. Without him, Jacksonville’s offensive balance may tilt more toward the running game and short passing routes.

General manager Reggie Gladstone — who traded multiple high-value picks to secure Hunter in the draft — emphasized patience. “We believe in Travis long-term,” he said in a brief Friday statement. “Our focus is getting him fully healthy for what’s ahead, not rushing anything in Year 1.”

While the setback halts Hunter’s momentum, the Jaguars remain optimistic that his recovery and eventual return will redefine the modern two-way player model in the NFL.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused Travis Hunter’s knee injury?

Hunter suffered a non-contact knee injury during Thursday’s practice. The team has not specified the exact nature of the damage.

Q2: How long will Travis Hunter be out?

Being placed on injured reserve means he will miss at least four weeks, though his recovery could extend beyond that depending on medical evaluations.

Q3: How has Travis Hunter performed this season?

In seven games, he recorded 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown, along with 15 tackles and three pass deflections on defense.

Q4: What teams will he miss while on IR?

He will miss at least four games: Raiders (Week 9), Texans (Week 10), Chargers (Week 11), and Cardinals (Week 12).

Q5: How does his injury affect the Jaguars?

The team loses a versatile player who contributed on both sides of the ball, forcing depth adjustments at wide receiver and cornerback.