The Jacksonville Jaguars have not looked the same since Travis Hunter went down with a knee injury. Fans hoped the bye week would reset everything, and for a brief moment it seemed to work. The narrow win over the Raiders brought optimism back to Duval, but the loss to Houston reopened every wound. The spark that Hunter brought to both sides of the ball has been missing ever since.
When head coach Liam Coen faced the media this week, the question everyone wanted answered was simple: will Hunter continue playing both offense and defense once he returns?Coen’s reply gave little away. “It’s very premature to say,” he told reporters. “Our focus right now is on the Chargers. We’ll evaluate everything at the end of the season.”
That comment left fans guessing. It was not a confirmation, but it was not a denial either. And in a city starving for stability, silence can be the loudest response.
It’s very premature to say. Our focus right now is on the Chargers. We’ll evaluate everything at the end of the season
Travis Hunter: Surgery success, but uncertainty ahead
Hunter recently underwent surgery to repair a torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his right knee. According to the Jaguars’ medical staff, the operation went smoothly. The ACL, MCL, and meniscus were all untouched, which means his recovery window should be around six months. If everything stays on schedule, he will be ready for the 2026 training camp.
On paper, that sounds like a complete win. But beneath that encouraging update lies a much bigger question: will the Jaguars still use him as a two-way player? Statistics from Next Gen Stats show how rare Hunter’s workload was. He played over 450 snaps between offense and defense in just seven games, contributing with 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown, along with 15 tackles and three pass breakups.
Coen’s cautious tone has fueled speculation that the coaching staff could decide to specialize him in one role next season. Some believe he will return primarily as a wide receiver, while others think the team may still try to preserve his two-way identity, depending on his physical progress.
Jacksonville currently sits second in the AFC South with a 5-4 record. The upcoming game against the Chargers could be pivotal for their playoff hopes, but the bigger narrative surrounding the team is already forming. Hunter’s recovery is only part of the story. What comes next may redefine how the Jaguars build around one of their most gifted young stars.
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