Jaguars Rookie Travis Hunter Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Jacksonville Jaguars fans received disappointing news this week as rookie standout Travis Hunter’s season officially came to an end. The two-way star, who had quickly emerged as one of the team’s most dynamic playmakers, suffered a non-contact knee injury during practice on October 30 and was later placed on injured reserve. What initially appeared to be a precautionary move has now become a season-ending setback.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Hunter underwent successful surgery to repair a torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his right knee. Fortunately, there was no additional structural damage, offering optimism for a full recovery. The operation was performed by renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. Don Cooper alongside Jaguars team physician Dr. Kevin Kaplan in Dallas, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The expected recovery timeline is roughly six months, which means Hunter should be ready to resume football activities in time for the Jaguars’ offseason program ahead of the 2026 campaign. Team sources indicated the rookie is in good spirits and committed to returning stronger next year.

Before the injury, Hunter had been one of Jacksonville’s most intriguing storylines — a rare two-way contributor capable of impacting games on both sides of the ball. His versatility as a wide receiver and cornerback made him an early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration.

1. Dual-Threat Impact Lost on Both Sides of the Ball

Hunter’s injury represents a major blow to Jacksonville’s roster on multiple fronts. Offensively, he provided speed and playmaking ability, registering 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown through nine games. Defensively, he showed promise as a rotational cornerback, tallying 15 tackles and three passes defended. Few rookies in recent memory have demonstrated such versatility at the professional level. Head coach Doug Pederson praised Hunter’s two-way commitment earlier this season, calling him “a special competitor” and noting that the team designed specific packages to utilize his skill set. With Hunter sidelined, Jacksonville loses not only a statistical contributor but also a player whose energy and adaptability set the tone in practices and games. The Jaguars’ offensive schemes will now require adjustment, particularly in the passing game where Hunter’s ability to stretch the field complemented Christian Kirk and Calvin Ridley. On defense, his absence limits depth in the secondary, forcing the team to lean more heavily on second-year corner Tyson Campbell and veteran Tre Herndon. Despite the setback, team doctors remain confident in Hunter’s recovery outlook. An LCL tear, while serious, generally carries a more favorable prognosis than other major knee injuries when treated promptly and surgically repaired.

2. Jacksonville Looks to Stay Afloat Without Its Star Rookie

At 5–4, the Jaguars remain in playoff contention, but losing Hunter presents new challenges down the stretch. Jacksonville has already begun implementing contingency plans, highlighted by the recent trade for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders. Meyers made an immediate impact in his debut, catching three passes for 41 yards against the Houston Texans. His reliability and route-running ability could help offset some of Hunter’s lost production. The team also benefits from a favorable remaining schedule. Two upcoming games against the Tennessee Titans and a matchup with the New York Jets give the Jaguars winnable opportunities to maintain their playoff position. Still, the margin for error remains slim in a tightly contested AFC South. Veteran leaders such as Trevor Lawrence and Josh Allen have stressed the importance of resilience in Hunter’s absence. “Travis brought so much juice to this team,” Lawrence said earlier this week. “Now it’s on all of us to step up and keep pushing forward.” Jacksonville will next face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11 — a critical test of how the team performs against a quality opponent without one of its brightest young stars. A win would solidify their postseason hopes, while another setback could expose how much Hunter’s loss truly impacts both sides of the ball.

3. Playoff Push Faces New Challenge

The Jaguars have already begun implementing contingency plans. The front office acted quickly, acquiring wide receiver Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders to bolster the passing attack. In his Jaguars debut, Meyers caught three passes for 41 yards against the Houston Texans, providing reliable production in Hunter’s absence. Defensively, Jacksonville will need to rely more on group communication and zone coverage principles. Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen has emphasized the importance of discipline in coverage, especially with one less rotational corner in the mix. The unit will also count on its pass rush, led by Josh Allen and Travon Walker, to generate pressure and ease the strain on the secondary. Hunter’s leadership will still be felt from the sidelines, as teammates have noted his consistent presence during film sessions and team meetings. Pederson described him as “locked in” and “determined to come back stronger,” even while rehabbing. Still, losing a player of his caliber highlights the risks of versatility in today’s NFL. Few rookies are tasked with playing on both sides of the ball, and Hunter’s injury underscores the physical toll of that workload — even for elite athletes.