Travis Hunter Injury Update: Jaguars Rookie Undergoes LCL Surgery, Ruled Out for the 2025 Season

Jacksonville’s two-way rookie phenom Travis Hunter underwent surgery to repair the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his right knee, ending his 2025 NFL season. The procedure, performed in Dallas, addressed an isolated LCL injury with no additional knee damage found, and the recovery timeline is projected at approximately six months. The team expects Hunter to return to full football activities in 2026 if his rehab progresses on schedule.

How the Travis Hunter LCL Injury Happened

The injury occurred October 30 during practice, a non-contact incident that initially sent Hunter to injured reserve with hopes of a late-season return. Further evaluation led to the decision for surgery, closing the door on a comeback this year but offering a clearer, more controlled path to full strength.

Key facts at a glance

• Injury: Isolated LCL tear (right knee)

• Surgery: Completed in Dallas

• Return outlook: ~6 months to full football activities

• 2025 status: Out for season; target return 2026

Travis Hunter’s Rookie Snapshot Before the Injury

Before the setback, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft had flashed the rare two-way impact that made him a pre-draft headline. Offensively, Hunter posted 28 receptions for 298 yards and 1 TD, with usage that spiked in October—including a breakout London performance (8 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD). Defensively, he mixed in situational snaps, adding pass breakups and showing the instincts that defined his college stardom.

Why an LCL Injury Sidelines a Two-Way Weapon

The LCL stabilizes the outside of the knee, countering varus (inward) forces during cutting and lateral movement—motions central to wide receiver releases and cornerback mirror steps. Even with no meniscus or ACL involvement, repairing the LCL and allowing scar tissue to mature is critical to restore:

• Lateral stability for route breaks and press coverage

• Proprioception and single-leg control for high-speed deceleration

• Confidence to reintroduce full-speed, contact-level change of direction

Surgical repair followed by a disciplined, sport-specific rehab is designed to minimize residual laxity—vital for an athlete whose value includes elite stop–start agility and two-way workload.

The Rehab Roadmap: What the Next 24 Weeks Typically Look Like

Every plan is individualized, but high-level milestones for an isolated LCL repair often include:

1. Weeks 0–2: Protect repair; swelling control; early quad activation; gentle range-of-motion within surgeon limits.

2. Weeks 3–6: Progressive weight-bearing; closed-chain strength; stationary cycling; begin balance/proprioception work.

3. Weeks 7–12: Lateral movement progressions; resisted band work; anti-rotation core training; pool/running initiation as cleared.

4. Weeks 13–18: Linear speed build; controlled cutting; football-position drills at submax intensity.

5. Weeks 19–24: Full-speed route tree and DB footwork; reactive drills; contact prep; return-to-play testing (strength symmetry, hop tests, GPS load).

Clearance depends on objective testing and clinical signs—not the calendar alone.

Impact on the Jaguars’ Depth Chart

With Hunter sidelined, Jacksonville leans on:

• Parker Washington as a volume outlet in short-to-intermediate windows.

• Jakobi Meyers (recent addition) to stabilize situational chains and third downs.

• Rotational perimeter speed to stretch defenses while the club navigates other receiver injuries.

The staff loses a unique chess piece—someone who could swing field position on offense and steal situational snaps on defense. Expect a more traditional rotation and a heavier reliance on scripted sequencing to replace Hunter’s explosive touches.

What This Means for Hunter’s 2026 Outlook

The six-month guidance puts a full return inside the team’s offseason program window if rehab remains linear. Two notes for the long view:

• Isolated injury, favorable sign: The absence of additional ligament or meniscal damage simplifies healing variables.

• Performance ramp: Even with medical clearance, reacquiring match fitness—route endurance, late-game burst, and two-way stamina—typically extends into camp and preseason.

Given his age, history of elite conditioning, and the controlled nature of the repair, a high-probability return to form in 2026 remains on the table.

• Travis Hunter is out for the 2025 season following successful LCL repair to his right knee.

• No additional damage was found; the expected recovery window is ~6 months, aligning him for a 2026 return.

• Jacksonville loses a rare two-way contributor now, but the surgical outcome and timeline keep the long-term star trajectory intact.