Travis Hunter injury update before NFL Preseason Week 2

The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking a cautious approach with rookie phenom Travis Hunter.

The two-way star is reportedly dealing with an “upper body injury" Jaguars head coach Liam Coen revealed Friday. Hunter was held out of practice and may not suit up for Sunday’s preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.

While the Jaguars maintain this is more of a precautionary move than a serious setback, it naturally raises questions given Hunter’s unique role on both sides of the ball. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Hunter is expected to be a game-changer for Jacksonville, with the ability to contribute as both a wide receiver and a cornerback.

In last week’s preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which resulted in a 31–25 loss, Hunter split snaps almost evenly between offense and defense, flashing the versatility that made him the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner. Jacksonville traded up to secure Hunter, moving from No. 5 to No. 2 in the draft at the cost of multiple first-round picks and a second-rounder.

Despite his immense talent, there have been lingering questions about whether Hunter can sustain the physical toll at the professional level. Every injury, even minor ones, invites speculation about whether his two-way responsibilities are too taxing.

Coen downplayed concerns and made it clear the Jaguars won’t rush him back into preseason action. After all, Hunter has already locked in a starting wide receiver spot and is listed as a backup cornerback on the team’s unofficial depth chart.

The next two weeks of preseason would have given Jacksonville’s coaching staff more data on how best to deploy their young star. Now, they may be forced to make critical decisions about his role without that additional game tape.

If Hunter proves he can stay healthy and thrive in both roles, he has the potential to become one of the most unique and electrifying players in NFL history.