Travis Hunter injury update: Jacksonville Jaguars star to be placed on IR with knee issue

In a tough blow to the Jacksonville Jaguars' playoff hopes, rookie sensation Travis Hunter has been sidelined for at least four games due to a knee injury. The two-way star who shone as both wide receiver and cornerback suffered the setback during Thursday's practice and will head to injured reserve (IR), head coach Liam Coen confirmed Friday.

This development comes just as Hunter was hitting his stride in the NFL. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner had been flashing his elite skills on both sides of the ball, making his absence a massive hit for a Jaguars team already thin at wideout.

Details about the knee injury and timeline

Coach Liam Coen shared the news to reporters after practice, emphasizing the need for caution. "Travis Hunter will be placed on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury during practice Thursday," Coen said.

Hunter popped up on the team's injury report Thursday as limited with the knee issue, a surprise after full participation Wednesday. The move to IR means he will miss at least the minimum four games, putting his return no earlier than Week 13. That timeline rules him out against the Las Vegas Raiders this weekend, the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10, and beyond, potentially derailing Jacksonville's momentum post-bye.

Impact on the Jaguars

The Jaguars, sitting at 4-4 after a gritty 35-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in London, were counting on Hunter's growing role. His injury adds to a crowded wide receiver room, banged up with shoulder woes for Brian Thomas Jr and Dyami Brown, plus Tim Patrick's groin tweak. Only Parker Washington remains fully healthy among the pass-catchers.

Standout performances before the setback

Prior to the bye, Travis Hunter delivered his finest NFL outing yet. In that lopsided defeat to the Rams, he hauled in eight passes for 104 yards and scored his first professional touchdown, a 22-yard strike.

Through eight games this season, Hunter's stats tell a story of untapped potential. Offensively, he has racked up 28 receptions for 298 yards and that lone touchdown, with his snap count climbing steadily. Defensively, he has been a lockdown force, logging 15 tackles and three passes defended.

Coach Coen had hinted at even bigger things ahead. "He's going to be a significant player in the offense going forward," Coen noted earlier this week, per reports. Hunter's explosive traits were set to juice a Jaguars attack averaging just 18.5 points per game.

Impact on Jaguars' offense and defense

Losing Hunter ripples across the roster. On offense, Jacksonville's passing game, already sputtering without consistent QB Trevor Lawrence protection, loses its most talented option. Expect more targets for Christian Kirk and Evan Engram, but the depth chart is exposed. Defensively, his corner skills leave a void in the secondary, where young guns like Antonio Johnson may step up amid other nicks, like Devin Lloyd's neck issue.