By waqar Ali shah, Sports Business Correspondent | Last Updated jan 25, 2026 |ย Sports
Travis Hunter injury update Jaguars rookie on IR after non-contact knee scare. Fantasy impact, stats, return date. NFL trending now!
In a gut-wrenching blow to the Jacksonville Jaguars and NFL fans everywhere, rookie sensation Travis Hunter has been placed on Injured Reserve (IR) after suffering a non-contact knee injury during Thursday’s practice. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft the electrifying two-way star from Colorado who dazzled with his Heisman-winning flair now faces a minimum four-game absence, making him ineligible to return until Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans on November 30.
This news dropped like a Halloween bombshell, spiking Travis Hunter to the top of Google Trends nationwide today and igniting an emotional firestorm on X (formerly Twitter). With the Jags (4-3) gearing up for a crucial Week 9 clash against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday, Hunter’s sideline stint couldn’t come at a worse time especially after his breakout performance just weeks ago.
The Shocking Details: What Happened to Travis Hunter?
Head coach Liam Coen broke the news during Friday’s press conference, confirming the injury occurred in a freak non-contact drill post-Week 8 bye no tackles, no collisions, just pure bad luck. The Jaguars are still evaluating the full extent no official word on ACL tears or timelines beyond the mandatory four weeks but Coen didn’t sugarcoat the frustration:
Yeah, itโs definitely not ideal timing not that any injury is ideal timing. But got to believe the makeup, his general attitude toward life, how he handles dealing with specific situations I have a lot of belief in Travis as a person, as a competitor to come back better than ever.
Liam Coen, Jaguars Head Coach
Hunter, known for his minor setback for a major comeback vibe, was reportedly in good spirits despite the hit. But whispers on X suggest it could sideline him longer even into the playoffs with some fearing a season-ender.
Why This is Crushing the NFL World (And Your Fantasy Team)
Hunter’s absence ripples far beyond Duval County. The Jags were ramping up his snaps planning a bigger offensive role after the bye to unleash his dual-threat magic (WR by day, lockdown CB by night). Now? Jacksonville’s receiver room thins out, with Brian Thomas Jr. (nursing a shoulder tweak), Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, and Tim Patrick (groin) stepping up amid a depth crisis.
Fantasy managers are in meltdown mode: Hunter’s Week 7 explosion (8 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD vs. the Rams in London) had him trending as a must-start. Drop him? Stash for playoffs? X is divided.
On the field, the secondary holds (more CB depth), but the offense already sputtering loses its X-factor. Jags fans, already haunted by a 35-7 London thrashing, now face Raiders without their attitude machine.
Hunter’s Rookie Stats at a Glance
| Category | Snaps (Offense/Defense) | Receptions/Yards/TDs | Tackles/Pass Deflections |
| Season Total (7 Games) | 364/162 | 28/298/1 | 15/3 |
| Week 7 vs. Rams | Limited Defense | 8/101/1 | N/A |
| Pre-Injury Projection | Increased WR Role | Breakout Potential | Full Two-Way Beast |
| Pre-Injury Projection | Increased WR Role | Breakout Potential | Full Two-Way Beast |
The Bigger Picture: Can the Jags Survive Without Hunter?
This isn’t just an injury; it’s a narrative killer. Hunter entered the league as the ultimate unicorn the guy who plays both ways like it’s backyard ball but a rocky transition (preseason upper-body ding, fluctuating snaps) had tempered the hype. His London TD felt like the turning point. Now, with the trade deadline looming and a playoff push on the line, Jacksonville must rally.
Coen insists it’s assessable, but insiders note the WR hit stings more. Will this spark a fire under the 4-3 squad, or expose their flaws? And Hunter? Expect that viral comeback montage by December if not sooner.
Live Reaction (X Post):
Sources: Adam Schefter/X, ESPN, NFL.com, Jaguars PR
FAQ
What kind of injury did Travis Hunter have?
On October 30, 2025, Travis Hunter suffered an isolated lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury in his right knee during a team practice. Fortunately, medical evaluations confirmed there was no additional damage to other ligaments like the ACL. He underwent successful surgery on November 11, 2025, to repair the tear.
Will Travis Hunter remain a two-way player after his injury?
Yes. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ management and coaching staff confirmed that they still expect Hunter to play on both sides of the ball (Wide Receiver and Cornerback) in 2026. His recovery timeline is approximately six months, which puts him on track to return for training camp in May 2026.
What are the four major injuries associated with Travis Hunter?
While the most recent major setback was his LCL tear in late 2025, Hunter has a history of significant injuries, including a lacerated liver (suffered in 2023 during his college career) and an upper-body injury that limited him during the 2025 NFL preseason. In the context of knee health, four major injuries often refers to the four primary ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL), but Hunterโs 2025 injury was strictly isolated to the LCL.
What injury did Travis Kelce suffer in October 2025?
During a game against the Detroit Lions on October 12, 2025, Travis Kelce took a scary fall on his head after being flipped upside down while attempting to leap over a defender. Despite the impact, he avoided a concussion or serious injury and was able to finish the game.
Why didn’t Travis Kelce go to the funeral?
Travis Kelce was unable to attend the memorial service for Maureen Maguire (the longtime partner of his father, Ed Kelce) in August 2025 because he was required to be at the Kansas City Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri. His brother Jason, who is retired, was able to attend to support their father.
Did Travis Scott get hurt when he fell?
While there were no major reported falls for the rapper in late 2025, he famously injured his knee during a fall at the Rolling Loud Festival in 2019. He told the crowd at the time, “I think I just broke my knee,” and finished the performance while wearing a leg brace.
How many bones has Travis broken?
This typically refers to action sports legend Travis Pastrana. As of 2025, Pastrana is widely cited as having broken more than 90 bones throughout his career, along with suffering over 25 concussions and a famous spinal disassociation at age 14.
What illness does Travis have?
If you are referring to country music icon Randy Travis, he continues to live with aphasia and the long-term effects of a massive stroke and congestive heart failure he suffered in 2013. In 2025, he has remained active in the public eye, even using AI technology to release new music despite his limited ability to speak.
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