The Jacksonville Jaguars appear to have avoided the worst-case scenario with rookie phenom Travis Hunter. According to the Athletic’s Michael Silver the team is confident Hunter did not suffer any long-term damage to his knee after going down with a non-contact injury during Thursday’s practice.
Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was placed on injured reserve Friday. That guarantees he’ll miss at least the next four games, but within the Jaguars’ building, there’s a clear sense of relief. Early tests show no structural damage, giving the team hope that this will be a temporary setback rather than a season-altering blow.
Team doctors and training staff are expected to evaluate Hunter’s knee over the next two weeks before deciding on the next course of action. For now, the plan is to rest, rehab, and not rush him back before he’s fully ready.
The Jaguars know what they have in their rookie, a rare athlete who has already become one of the most dynamic young talents in the league.
The Jaguars are a team that hasn't had much success while only hitting on a few draft picks that has consistently sat towards the bottom of the AFC south for the better part of a decade.
Being able to avoid a season ending injury for Hunter is great news especially if they are able to steer the ship with him out as they are currently sitting at a game over .500 at 4-3 heading into week 9.
In the next few games are completely winnable for the team as most of which are teams that are currently under .500 like the Cardinals, Texans, and Raiders.
While Hunter’s absence leaves a hole, the Jaguars plan to take a committee approach in his stead. Young wideout Parker Washington is expected to see increased reps, as Dyami Brown as well. While defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile may get creative with packages to offset Hunter’s missed snaps on the other side of the ball.
Still, the Jaguars aren’t panicking. There’s a belief that Hunter’s recovery will be smooth, and that when he returns, he could pick right where he left off with the hope the team will still be in playoff contention and be able to make a strong push with him back on the field.
The team’s patience here is no surprise. With Hunter viewed as a long-term franchise cornerstone, the Jaguars have every reason to protect their investment. Rushing him back could risk reinjury, something the organization is determined to avoid.
The Jaguars drafted Hunter knowing he could be a difference-maker for years, and they’re treating this early challenge with the same calm focus that’s defined their offseason.
If all goes well, Jacksonville expects to have its young star back on the field before the season’s stretch run and ready to remind everyone why he was the most electrifying player in this year’s draft class