Jaguars’ Travis Hunter Heads to Injured Reserve After Knee Injury at Practice

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without one of their most dynamic young players for the foreseeable future. Rookie wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter was placed on injured reserve Friday after suffering a noncontact injury to his right knee during Thursday’s practice. The extent of the injury remains unclear, but the initial prognosis offered a glimmer of hope.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, early tests revealed that Hunter’s ACL remains intact — a positive sign amid fears of a potentially season-ending injury. Additional evaluations will continue into next week, with no official timeline yet established for his return. Under league rules, Hunter will miss a minimum of four games, making the earliest possible comeback Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans.

Head coach Liam Coen confirmed the decision to place Hunter on IR and expressed optimism about the rookie’s outlook. “We’re currently assessing the injury just to determine the best course of action moving forward for Travis and for the team,” Coen said Friday. “Feel bad for the kid, but he’s in good spirits right now. Minor setback for a major comeback — that’s just the way it’s got to be.”

The injury occurred while Hunter was playing on defense in practice, where he has split time this season. The setback comes just as the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner was beginning to emerge as one of Jacksonville’s most promising offensive weapons.

1. Breakout Momentum Halted

Hunter’s injury comes on the heels of his best professional performance. In the Jaguars’ Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams in London, Hunter caught eight passes for 104 yards and scored his first career NFL touchdown in a 35–7 defeat. The breakout showing underscored why the team had begun featuring him more prominently in its offensive scheme. Through eight games this season, Hunter recorded 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown, in addition to contributing on defense with 15 tackles and three pass breakups. His ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball had quickly become a defining element of Jacksonville’s lineup. Hunter had recently begun to assume the role of the Jaguars’ top wide receiver, a move accelerated by the struggles of Brian Thomas Jr., who has battled inconsistency and multiple dropped passes. With Hunter sidelined, Jacksonville’s offensive balance and creativity will likely be tested in upcoming matchups. “It’s definitely not ideal timing,” Coen admitted. “Not that any injury ever is, but I have a lot of belief in Travis as a person and a competitor. He’ll come back stronger than ever.”

2. Adjustments Ahead for Jacksonville’s Offense

Hunter’s absence deepens an already concerning injury situation in the Jaguars’ receiving corps. Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown are both dealing with shoulder injuries, while veteran Tim Patrick has been limited by a groin issue. Thomas and Patrick practiced on a limited basis this week, while Brown returned to full participation Thursday, offering some relief to the depleted group. To help offset the loss, Jacksonville plans to promote a receiver from the practice squad before Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Candidates include Austin Trammell, Tim Jones, and Chandler Brayboy, all of whom have experience in the system. On defense, the Jaguars remain confident in their depth, with Montaric Brown and Jarrian Jones expected to handle increased snaps in Hunter’s absence. Coen emphasized that the situation presents a chance for other players to step up. “We go back to training camp days when Travis was on defense and Dyami, BT, and Parker [Washington] were rotating at receiver,” Coen said. “Those guys did some really good things then. I have a lot of confidence this is a great opportunity for them to respond to adversity.” While losing Hunter is a significant blow, the Jaguars are determined to stay competitive as they enter a critical stretch of their season. With their bye week behind them and a playoff push slipping from reach, the next few games could determine how the team approaches the remainder of the year.

3. Looking Forward

Jacksonville’s coaching staff remains optimistic that Hunter’s injury is not as severe as initially feared, but the full diagnosis will shape the team’s long-term plans. If his recovery progresses smoothly, the rookie could return in December to help bolster both the receiving corps and secondary. In the meantime, Coen and the Jaguars are emphasizing resilience and adaptability — qualities that have defined the team’s approach since early in the season. “It’s a chance for everyone to show who they are when adversity hits,” Coen said. “We’ll keep fighting, and Travis will be back when he’s ready.” For Hunter, the injury interrupts what had been a promising start to his professional career — one marked by versatility, athleticism, and early flashes of stardom. His determination to return stronger may prove as valuable as his talent once he’s back on the field. As Jacksonville regroups, the team will rely on depth, discipline, and belief in its young core to stay afloat in the competitive AFC South.