2nd Overall Pick Travis Hunter to Miss Rest of the Season

Jaguars rookie receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee Tuesday. Hunter had the lateral collateral ligament repaired in Dallas following a thorough evaluation of his injury. He was placed on injured reserve on October 31, just one day after suffering a noncontact injury during practice while playing defense. The team initially sought to determine the full extent of Hunter’s injury and the expected recovery time, especially after an MRI confirmed that his ACL remained intact.

The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner brought a significant impact to the Jaguars on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he recorded 28 catches for 298 yards and scored a touchdown, demonstrating his ability as a reliable playmaker. Defensively, Hunter contributed 15 tackles and three pass breakups, underscoring his versatility and value as a cornerback. Before his injury, he was heavily involved in the game plan, playing 67% of the team’s offensive snaps and 36% of the defensive snaps. This level of participation highlighted the coaching staff’s confidence in his dual-role capability.

Sources within the organization affirm that Jacksonville remains committed to utilizing Hunter as their premier wide receiver and matchup cornerback moving forward. In fact, prior to the Oct. 30 injury, Hunter was in the process of being integrated even more deeply into both offensive and defensive schemes, poised for an increased role rather than a reduction in playing time. His unique skill set and athleticism made him a key component of the team’s strategy, and the Jaguars are eager to see him return to full health and continue to be a dynamic presence on the field.