Travis Hunter’s disappointing rookie season takes another hit with practice injury

Travis Hunter’s unremarkable rookie season is on hold.

The No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft was placed on injured reserve on Friday with a knee injury, Jaguars coach Liam Coen announced.

That means Hunter, who suffered a non-contact right injury at practice Thursday, per ESPN, will miss at least the next four games.

“We’re currently assessing the injury just to determine the best course of action moving forward for Travis and for the team,” Coen said. “Feel bad for the guy, for the kid, for our team, for everything. He’s in good spirits right now. Minor setback for a major comeback. That’s just the way it’s got to be.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Hunter’s ACL is intact and the two-way rookie is set to undergo further testing. No updates are expected to come until next week.

This injury is tough blow for the two-way Colorado product, and Coen’s comments indicated it’s possible this injury extends beyond the four-week minimum absence for IR stints.

Jacksonville will have to make do at receiver now that Hunter is set for an extended absence.

One would figure that top receiver Brian Thomas Jr. will receive added responsibility in an attempt to make up for the lost offensive production that Hunter leaves behind.

Behind Hunter on the depth chart are Parker Washington, Dyami Brown and Tim Patrick.

The Heisman winner has 28 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown on offense, with 15 tackles on defense.

Hunter appeared to be turning a corner in the Jacksonville offense, despite the team’s inconsistent results in recent weeks.

He posted a career-best game last time out in a blowout Week 7 loss to the Rams in London, tallying eight catches on 14 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown.

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The Jaguars (4-3) have struggled to utilize Hunter’s unique talents, putting up below-expectation numbers as a pass catcher, including four games out of seven with fewer than 35 yards receiving.

Hunter’s transition to the NFL as a two-way player– playing both receiver and cornerback — has been an adjustment.

“It is definitely not ideal timing, not that any injuries are ever ideal timing,” Coen said. “Got to believe the makeup, his general attitude towards life and how he handles dealing with specific situations — I have a lot of belief in Travis as a person, as a competitor, to come back better than ever.”

The Jaguars gave up a 2026 first-round pick to the Browns to move up from No. 5 to No. 2 in April’s draft.