Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter has undergone surgery to repair his LCL, ending his debut NFL season. The two-way star suffered a non-contact knee injury during practice in late October and was placed on injured reserve. Hunter is expected to return to football activities in six months.
Travis Hunter's promising rookie campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars came to an abrupt halt on Tuesday when he underwent season-ending surgery to repair his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his right knee. The No. 2 overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft had been sidelined since a non-contact injury at practice on Oct. 31, initially projected to miss four games but ultimately ruled out for the year.
Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and dual Biletnikoff and Bednarik Award recipient from his 2024 college season at Colorado, showed signs of a breakout in his final appearance. In Week 7's 35-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 19 in London, he set career highs with eight receptions on 14 targets for 101 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown on a deep corner route. Overall, in seven games, Hunter recorded 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown on offense, while contributing 11 tackles, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery on defense, playing 162 of 486 total snaps at cornerback.
Jaguars coach Liam Coen expressed sympathy for the 6-1, 185-pound rookie, saying, "You just feel bad for the guy, for the kid, for our team, for everything. But he's in good spirits right now. Minor setback for a major comeback. That's just the way it's gotta be."
The injury raises questions about Hunter's two-way role, given early inconsistencies in snap counts—59% on offense and 47% on defense through the first three weeks, totaling 10 receptions for 76 yards, nine tackles, and one pass breakup. Despite the setback, the Jaguars (5-4) remain in playoff contention as they prepare to host the 7-3 Chargers on Sunday. Hunter's absence is a blow to an offense featuring Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington, especially after recent losses including a fourth-quarter collapse against the Houston Texans.
