Travis Hunter Update Emerges on Wednesday After NFL Debut With Jaguars

NFL Debut: A Glimpse of Hunter’s Versatility

In his first game with Jacksonville last Sunday, Hunter primarily played offense. He had six catches for 33 yards. He finished with one tackle on defense. In that game, he played 42 snaps on offense and just six on defense in Jacksonville's 26-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Head coach Liam Coen stated after the game that it was due to Hunter being unavailable during practice.

"I think that was week one, where you miss 10 days or so, and there were a lot of different kinds of coverage changes in the back end for us with some of their formations, adjustments," Coen explained. "It was a lot that those guys had to handle defensively."

Coen expects Hunter to play more on defense this week against the Cincinnati Bengals, with an increase each week thereafter.

What’s Next for Hunter on Defense?

As the Jaguars prepare to face the Bengals this Sunday, all eyes will be on whether Hunter takes on a larger role defensively. With Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins posing a serious threat downfield, Jacksonville may need every ounce of Hunter’s athleticism to stay competitive.

While Hunter is currently listed as a backup to veteran Jourdan Lewis, the coaching staff’s long-term plan could include gradually easing him into a starting role, especially if his offensive reps remain steady. Lewis, who played primarily as a nickelback for the Dallas Cowboys, could shift inside if Hunter proves he can hold down the outside.

It's still early in the season, and Hunter’s usage may change week to week. But if he continues to contribute on both sides of the ball, he could redefine what’s possible for two-way players in the modern NFL. For now, fans will have to wait until Sunday’s kickoff at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS to see the next chapter in his journey.