Travis Hunter: the unexpected injury unsettling the Jaguars and the NFL
Travis Hunter contract, valued at $46.65 million, made him one of the Jaguars boldest investments in recent years.
His potential to play on both sides of the ball had sparked excitement inside and outside the locker room. But now, uncertainty about his availability against the New Orleans Saints raises a bigger question.
Is this just an early stumble, or the first warning sign of a bumpy road in Hunter professional career?
Coen’s silence and the intrigue in Jacksonville
Head coach Liam Coen chose not to provide details about Travis Hunter condition, which only fueled speculation.
The only thing he disclosed was that the rookie stayed engaged from the sidelines, analyzing plays and studying trick formations with teammates, a way of keeping his mind sharp even if his body was temporarily limited.
“Me selfishly, I want him on the offensive side”
– @BrianThomas_11 on teammate Travis Hunter.Second year @jaguars’ wide out Brian Thomas Jr. knows what @TravisHunterJr is attempting to do in the NFL is hard, but he thinks he’s made for it. He tells the wide receiver room to… pic.twitter.com/6sxCULX2Ly
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 15, 2025
Travis Hunter absence coincided with the long-awaited return of defensive linemen Arik Armstead and Maason Smith, who add much-needed strength to the unit.
Still, the media spotlight remains firmly on Jacksonville’s prized jewel, whose two-way talent is seen as a secret weapon yet to be unleashed.
Teammates’ perspective and the offensive dilemma
Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., one of the closest young voices to Hunter, stated that the rookie “embraces every challenge” and that, despite the obstacles, he has everything it takes to shine in both roles.
He even echoed Trevor Lawrence’s wish to see Hunter more involved on offense. Where his speed and playmaking ability could make an immediate difference.
What once seemed like the beginning of a sports fairytale has now turned into a story filled with mystery.
The player hasn’t even debuted officially, yet podcasts, press conferences, and fan forums are already debating his impact.
