![Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) looks on during an NFL training camp session at the Miller Electric Center, Friday Aug. 15, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/23114213/is-travis-hunter-playing-tonight-08-23-25-1920x1277.jpg "Is Travis Hunter Playing Tonight? Latest on Jaguars Star’s Status in Week 3 Preseason Game vs. Dolphins")
The Hard Rock Stadium will shine bright for the Jaguars’ preseason finale, but their most anticipated rookie won’t be part of the show. For Jacksonville fans eager to see Travis Hunter, patience remains the order of the day.
Is Travis Hunter Playing Tonight Against the Dolphins?
Head coach Liam Coen confirmed this week that Hunter will not play in Saturday’s matchup with Miami. The No. 2 overall pick is being held out as a precaution after leaving practice on August 14, 2025, with what the team described as an upper-body injury.
Coen emphasized that the decision wasn’t about Hunter’s readiness but about prioritizing September. “It was more just do we want him now or potentially not in Carolina. The ultimate goal is Carolina,” Coen said, pointing toward the Week 1 opener against the Panthers.
Hunter’s preseason has already given fans a glimpse of his versatility. In his debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he played 18 total snaps, 10 on offense and eight on defense, and caught two passes for nine yards. But he sat out the Week 2 contest against the New Orleans Saints, and now the Jaguars are choosing to rest him again.
What Does the Jaguars’ Plan Mean for Hunter and the Team?
The decision reflects Jacksonville’s broader approach. Coen announced that none of the team’s starters will suit up in Miami, making the finale a showcase for depth and roster hopefuls. That means Hunter will be watching from the sideline while bubble players fight for jobs.
The rookie’s training camp performance has already validated the Jaguars’ investment. Reports highlighted his 27 catches in team drills and five passes defended in coverage sessions. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball has impressed teammates and coaches, reinforcing the expectation that he will be a core piece of Jacksonville’s future.
Still, the Jaguars are unwilling to risk their prized prospect in a preseason contest. Hunter is viewed as a Week 1 starter at wide receiver and as a defensive contributor in specialized packages. Preserving his health ensures he can make an impact immediately when the regular season begins.
For the rest of the roster, Saturday offers a different kind of opportunity. Backup quarterbacks, rotational receivers, and young defensive backs will log heavy snaps against Miami. Coaches will be evaluating special-teams play and composure under game conditions as they finalize the 53-man roster.
Kickoff from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami is set for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be shown on NFL Network with streaming on NFL+, alongside local broadcasts in both markets.
With Hunter and the starters sidelined, Jacksonville’s finale won’t feature its top talent. Instead, it will highlight the competition for roster spots while the team keeps its eyes firmly fixed on Week 1.
