By Zoey
The Jacksonville Jaguars are continuing to prepare Travis Hunter for a major two-way role despite the knee injury that abruptly ended his rookie season, with the franchise using innovative technology and a cautious rehabilitation process to keep one of the NFL’s most unique players mentally sharp ahead of training camp.
Hunter spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time since suffering a torn ligament in his right knee in October, dismissing speculation that the Jaguars may eventually scale back his responsibilities to focus primarily on one side of the ball.
“They’ve been doing that my whole career,” Hunter said when asked about the debate surrounding his future usage.
The former Heisman Trophy winner, selected second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, participated in organized team activities this week in a limited role as Jacksonville continues to closely monitor his recovery. Although he has not yet returned to full-contact football activities, Hunter has remained heavily involved during practices and meetings while working extensively through the team’s advanced virtual walkthrough system.
During the offseason, Jacksonville combined two large wall-sized simulation systems into one massive immersive unit designed to help players absorb game situations, assignments and formations without physically stepping onto the field. The setup has become a central part of Hunter’s recovery process, allowing him to continue developing as both a receiver and defensive back while protecting his knee.
Hunter joked that the system “works both ways,” referring to his continued preparation on offense and defense.
At practice, Hunter wore the same jersey color as the offense, carried a play sheet and listened to calls through an earpiece while shadowing plays from behind the formation. Coaches and teammates said he has remained engaged throughout every session despite being limited physically.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence praised Hunter’s focus and commitment during rehabilitation, saying the rookie has essentially functioned as an extra participant during practices.
“He’s been out there basically in the huddle every play,” Lawrence said. “We’ve got a 12th guy. So, he’s been in the huddle listening. He’s locked in. He’s done a great job.”
Hunter’s injury came shortly after what many inside the organization viewed as his breakout NFL performance. During a game against the Los Angeles Rams in London on Oct. 19, Hunter caught eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown despite Jacksonville suffering a heavy defeat.
Coaches were preparing to elevate him into the team’s primary receiving option before he sustained a lateral collateral ligament injury following the club’s bye week and just days before a matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Jaguars have deliberately slowed the recovery timeline in hopes of ensuring Hunter is fully healthy before returning to game action.
Head coach Liam Coen said the organization feels no urgency to rush the rookie back onto the field and emphasized that the medical staff will determine each stage of the process.
“We’re really at the mercy of the rehab and the docs in terms of what that looks like in the next steps of getting out on the grass,” Coen said. “But really feel no pressure. I think he’s done a phenomenal job.”
Jacksonville believes the virtual simulator has played a significant role in keeping Hunter mentally prepared. According to the coaching staff, he can log dozens of simulated repetitions during a short session, allowing him to process offensive formations, defensive coverages and assignment responsibilities even while sidelined physically.
Coen estimated Hunter can complete roughly 40 mental reps in about 15 minutes using the technology, giving the rookie a substantial volume of preparation that would otherwise be impossible during rehabilitation.
Questions about Hunter’s long-term role intensified earlier this offseason after comments from general manager James Gladstone suggested the Jaguars could place a greater emphasis on defense in 2026. Reports from NFL Network later fueled speculation that Hunter might spend the majority of his time as a cornerback moving forward.
Both Hunter and the Jaguars quickly pushed back on that idea.
Jacksonville continues to insist the rookie will contribute significantly on both sides of the ball once healthy, and his presence with the offensive unit during the team’s first OTA practices appeared to reinforce that commitment.
The Jaguars envision Hunter becoming a versatile weapon alongside receivers Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington while also potentially serving as a starting cornerback opposite Montaric Brown.
Hunter said he expects to divide his time evenly between offense and defense during offseason workouts and believes he will be fully cleared in time for training camp later this summer.
“Not being on the field, you can’t retain a lot unless you go in there and be focused and try to learn as much as you can every single day because you’re not getting those live reps,” Hunter said. “I try to sneak in and get as much knowledge as I can from everybody and try to help the younger guys.”
Away from football, Hunter also participated in a community event at a Planet Fitness location in Jacksonville promoting the gym chain’s free summer pass program for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 19. Hunter reflected on growing up in South Florida and said he wished similar opportunities had existed during his youth.
“I wish I would have had this opportunity to be able to come to a gym where I don’t have to pay, don’t have to sign up for anything, just come in and work out, chill with my buddies in the gym, staying out of trouble,” he said.
For Jacksonville, Hunter’s recovery remains one of the franchise’s biggest storylines entering the 2026 season. The Jaguars invested heavily in his rare ability to impact games as both a receiver and defensive back, and despite the injury setback, the organization continues to believe he can become one of the league’s most dynamic all-around players once fully healthy.