Travis Hunter's Promising Rookie Season Cut Short

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Tuesday that rookie wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter will miss the remainder of the 2025 NFL season due to knee surgery. The surgery was necessary to repair his injured LCL, although the team's statement confirmed that there was no additional damage to the knee.

Initially selected by the Jaguars as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Hunter's selection came after a standout season where he won the Heisman Trophy as a two-way star at Colorado. Despite some skepticism about whether he could effectively handle the challenges of playing both offense and defense at the professional level, Hunter showcased his versatility in his first seven games.

Before suffering a non-contact injury during practice last month, Hunter had made significant contributions on both sides of the ball. He recorded 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown as a receiver, while also contributing defensively with three passes defended and 15 tackles.

The injury raises crucial questions about Hunter's future role with the Jaguars. Upon his return, it's uncertain whether he will continue to play dual roles or if the team will opt to focus his talents on either offense or defense exclusively. The durability concern is valid as he heads into his second NFL season post-surgery.

As the Jaguars aim for a playoff spot, they will need to recalibrate their strategy in Hunter's absence for the rest of this campaign. The team is likely to manage his workload during training camp and the beginning of next season to mitigate the risk of further injuries.