Jaguars’ Travis Hunter Placed on IR Following Non-Contact Injury
Travis Hunter, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ promising rookie, has been placed on injured reserve following a knee injury sustained during practice. This injury will sideline him for at least the next four games. Jaguars head coach Liam Coen announced the news during a press conference, stating that they are assessing the situation to determine the best approach for Hunter and the team moving forward.
Travis Hunter’s Journey in the NFL
Drafted second overall by the Jaguars, Hunter aims to become the NFL’s first full-time two-way player in six decades. His professional debut has been marked by ups and downs. The team carefully managed his workload to allow for a smoother transition, primarily focusing on his offensive skills during the offseason. As training camp progressed, he alternated between offensive and defensive practices.
Injury Impact and Performance
Hunter missed a segment of the preseason due to an upper-body injury, impacting his gameplay during the regular season. In Week 7, he had a standout performance, achieving eight receptions for 101 yards and his first touchdown in a loss against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite this, his season has been inconsistent.
- Targets: 14
- Offensive snaps: 67
- Defensive snaps: 14
On defense, he managed one pass breakup in that game. Coen expressed sympathy for Hunter, emphasizing his positive mindset and potential for a strong comeback. Following the Jaguars’ Week 8 bye, Hunter sustained his injury, which now mandates he miss at least four games under NFL rules, making a return unlikely until Week 13.
Season Statistics Overview
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Catches | 28 |
| Targets | 45 |
| Receiving Yards | 298 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Tackles (Defensive) | 15 |
| Pass Breakups (Defensive) | 3 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 |
While Hunter’s offensive production has not yet matched that of other rookie wide receivers, such as Emeka Egbuka of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers, the Jaguars have strategically minimized his workload to enhance his growth. As the season progresses, the expectation remains that Hunter will flourish when he returns.
