Travis Hunter’s Precautionary Absence Leaves Jaguars Fans Waiting
So here’s the latest buzz from Jacksonville — and it’s all about Travis Hunter. The Jaguars’ dynamic rookie, who’s been turning heads as both a wide receiver and cornerback, was absent from Friday’s practice. Now, before anyone panics, head coach Liam Coen made it clear this wasn’t a sign of disaster. Hunter is dealing with what’s being described as an “upper-body deal,” and the decision to sit him out was purely precautionary. In other words, they’re being careful, not reactive.
Coen explained during a press conference that the team hasn’t yet decided whether Hunter will play in Sunday’s preseason matchup against the New Orleans Saints. His exact words were along the lines of, “We’ll figure that out. We don’t know yet.” That uncertainty leaves fans on edge, especially since Hunter is not just any rookie — he’s the No. 2 overall pick, and the Jaguars have bold plans to use him on both sides of the ball.
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In last week’s preseason opener, Hunter’s versatility was on full display. He logged 10 snaps on offense and another eight on defense, showcasing the rare skill set that has made him one of the most talked-about additions to the league this year. Jacksonville’s coaching staff has been carefully managing his workload during training camp, letting him “flip-flop” between offensive and defensive duties to get him comfortable with both playbooks. It’s a unique approach, and one that comes with the challenge of keeping him healthy and fresh.
This absence, then, is more about long-term strategy than short-term concern. The Jaguars are weighing whether giving him live reps this weekend is worth the risk, especially in a preseason setting where results don’t count toward the standings. Even if he does see the field on Sunday, it’s likely his playing time will be limited to avoid aggravating the injury.
For a player who has already sparked conversations about potentially winning both Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year someday, the stakes are high. Jacksonville clearly wants Hunter ready for the real action when the regular season kicks off, and taking a cautious approach in August makes sense.
So, for now, Jaguars fans will have to wait and see. Sunday could bring more of Hunter’s electric two-way game — or it could be another step in the slow build-up to his full NFL debut. Either way, the excitement around him isn’t going anywhere. The only real question is how soon we’ll see him back out there making plays on both sides of the ball.
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