NFL Midseason Superlatives: The biggest busts so far
USA TODAY Sports’ Joe Rivera and Chris Bumbaca dish out which players, coaches, and teams have been the biggest letdowns so far.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been dealt a double whammy.
While teams typically lose one player to a singular injury, the Jaguars lost two – Travis Hunter, the receiver, and Travis Hunter, the cornerback. The dual-threat rookie has been sidelined with a knee injury, which promises to keep him out for the foreseeable future.
It represented a big hit to Jacksonville’s roster at a time when Hunter was finding his footing in the pros. He scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams in London and posted his best game as a receiver.
The rookie was looking for an encore following Jacksonville’s bye in Week 8, but was ruled out for Week 9 and beyond.
Here’s the latest on Hunter.
When will Travis Hunter return?
Hunter was placed on injured reserve after suffering a non-contact knee injury in practice ahead of Week 9.
The move ensures the rookie will miss at least four games, meaning the earliest he can return is Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans.
On trade deadline day, the Jaguars swung a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for Jakobi Meyers, giving the team some additional depth in the receiver room. While that trade could be seen as potential Hunter insurance, it might not be the motivation.
Hunter is not expected to be out long-term, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The rookie is expected to continue contributing in the passing attack when he returns.
Jaguars WR depth chartBrian Thomas Jr.Jakobi MeyersTravis Hunter (injured)Parker WashingtonDyami BrownTim Patrick
The Meyers addition and Hunter’s eventual return will give Jacksonville plenty of depth in its receiving room. Thomas has been banged up at multiple points throughout the season, but continues to battle through it.
At the very least, head coach Liam Coen will have no shortage of options to help Trevor Lawrence in the passing attack when the team is back to full strength.
Jaguars CB depth chartJourdan LewisMontaric BrownGreg Newsome IITravis Hunter (injured)Jarrian JonesChristian BraswellCaleb Ransaw (IR)
Hunter has played much more on offense this season, meaning his loss isn’t felt as much on the opposite side of the ball.