Travis Hunter says he’s “not bothered” by critics who question the Jaguars using him both ways after an uneven rookie season cut short by a right knee injury. He will still split snaps on offense and defense, but he isn’t cleared for full participation yet and
On a Wednesday built around patience. Travis Hunter tried to move the conversation back to football—field work. practice. getting back with the group. The Jaguars plan to use him both ways again this season. even as critics point to a rookie year that arrived with unevenness and ended early after a knee injury.
Hunter heard the doubts before and didn’t seem interested in taking them personally. “It didn’t bother me,” Hunter said Wednesday. “They’ve been doing that my whole career.”
Last season, Hunter’s two-way role was already clear in the way he was used. He played 324 offensive snaps and 162 defensive snaps across seven appearances. The production on both sides of the ball came with an abrupt stop: on Oct. 30, during practice, Hunter tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee.
Surgery followed on Nov. 11. From there, the timetable became the story. Even now, Hunter isn’t cleared to fully participate in football activities, with that full clearance not expected until some point in training camp.
The Jaguars’ plan still keeps the promise of versatility—though it’s also a reminder of where he is right now. Hunter will play more on defense this season, but he will still play offense. For now, though, the priority is simple: getting healthy enough to practice.
There’s another detail that shows how closely the rehab is controlling the pace. Hunter isn’t wearing a knee brace, according to the report. Still, he knows he has to earn each step back. “I’ve got to get back on the [practice] field first,” Hunter said. “I’m excited to just be able to get back on the field and work with the guys.”.
Hunter’s rookie numbers underline both what the Jaguars are betting on and what the critics look at when they judge risk. On offense, he finished with 28 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, he recorded 15 tackles.
For Hunter, the message is steady: the criticism doesn’t change the work, and the work comes first. When training camp arrives and clearance comes, he’ll have a chance to turn the rehab period into momentum—then see how the Jaguars split him again between offense and defense.
Travis Hunter Jaguars two-way player knee injury lateral collateral ligament surgery training camp defense and offense NFL news
So he’s not cleared yet but they still wanna use him both ways? Sounds kinda risky.
I don’t get why people are “critics” like just let the man play. Rehab takes time, that’s it. Also Jaguars gonna Jaguar I guess.
knee brace?? so he tore his knee and now no brace?? either the report is wrong or he’s being tough for no reason. LCL is like, not even that bad right? lol
Uneven rookie season ended early after a knee injury and now everyone’s like “watch out” but he’s saying they’ve been doubting him his whole career. That’s a good quote but like… critics usually exist for a reason? I’m confused why “patience” is the whole headline when training camp is when he’ll start again anyway.