Travis Hunter surgery proves Jaguars need to end two-way experiment

The Jacksonville Jaguars made the decision to trade up for Travis Hunter during the 2025 NFL Draft, including shipping their 2026 first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns. The hope was that Hunter could make an impact on both offense and defense, just as he did at the college level.

Jacksonville was committed to having Hunter play both sides, but he was utilized more as a receiver in the last few weeks. The Jaguars clearly wanted him to create more plays with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. having drop problems.

Unfortunately for the Jaguars, Hunter underwent surgery for an LCL injury and will now miss the rest of the season. The Jaguars won't have him on either side of the ball as they try to make the playoffs.

Jaguars need to force Travis Hunter to play just one side of the ball

This injury reinforces the fact that Hunter shouldn't play both ways, as his injury has affected the team's depth at two separate positions. He has to choose to either be a receiver or a cornerback. The NFL is too physical to allow a guy to play both sides of the ball at an elite level.

Hunter scored just one touchdown in his rookie season. For him to be drafted as high as he was, the Jags need him to either commit to being the best cornerback in the league or the best receiver in the league.

Based on what he's shown to this point, he has a better shot of being an elite corner than he does an elite receiver. While Jacksonville is desperate for playmakers on the outside, Hunter is better at shadowing receivers than getting separation as one.

Without Hunter in the lineup, the Jags' path to the playoffs becomes much harder. After blowing a massive fourth-quarter lead to the Texans on Sunday, they essentially have no shot to win the AFC South. 

Getting a wild-card spot is their only hope, and they are currently clinging to the seventh seed in the AFC. Losing Hunter might be the final nail in the coffin of their playoff hopes.