An LCL tear ended Travis Hunter‘s rookie season and required a lengthy recovery process. His rehab is ongoing, but a return to a full workload during the spring is not expected.
Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said (via NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe) Hunter is set to be a limited participant in upcoming OTAs. Spring practices are voluntary and do not involved contact, but returning to the fold in some capacity would of course be welcomed news. Gladstone added Hunter is on track to be a full participant in training camp.
When the 2025 Heisman winner is back in the fold, a talking point will of course be his workload. Hunter was used on both sides of the ball during his rookie campaign, with a heavier emphasis on his receiver duties than his cornerback ones. A two-way role is still the plan for 2026, but Hunter is set to operate as a full-time cornerback moving forward. That would mark a shift in philosophy, with the receiver spot becoming only a part-time position.
Finding a long-term plan in Hunter’s case will obviously be a priority for Jacksonville. The team traded up to No. 2 last April to select the Colorado product, and as such the Jags do not own a first-rounder for this year’s draft. Generating production on both sides of the ball would be highly beneficial for all involved, especially given the price paid to acquire Hunter. Nevertheless, stability with respect to his weekly role and reducing the risk of injury based on an abnormal workload would be key for 2026 and beyond.
Hunter, 23 in May, was limited to seven games last season. He is set to return to a receiver room including Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington. At cornerback, the Jaguars have Montaric Brown – who inked a lucrative deal to avoid departing in free agency – and 2025 free agent signing Jourdan Lewis atop the depth chart. Hunter should have a clearer path to playing time on defense, making his planned position setup a logical one.
Jacksonville’s offseason program will begin later than the those of teams which changed head coaches during the hiring cycle. When it does get underway, Hunter’s workload will be worth watching as the Jaguars prepare for a ramp-up period during the summer.
Hope he’s healthy. Jags need him!