How Long Will Travis Hunter Be Out? Latest on Jaguars Star’s Injury and When He’ll Return

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, has been in and out of practice this past week due to an upper-body injury. Hunter suffered the setback during a team scrimmage on August 14, and he has been limited in his availability ever since.

Travis Hunter’s Injury Timeline and Preseason Action

The Jaguars confirmed that he will not play in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins, as the team is taking a cautious approach to protect him ahead of the regular season.

Hunter’s injury first forced him to miss practice the day after the scrimmage and also kept him out of Jacksonville’s second preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. He returned for individual drills on Tuesday and Wednesday, showing progress, but was held out of Thursday’s joint practice with the Dolphins.

Travis Hunter has an upper-body injury and will not play in this week’s preseason game, per @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/LgXJNF7AvG

— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) August 21, 2025

Head coach Liam Coen and team officials have stressed that this is a long-term precaution to prevent Hunter from aggravating the injury and ensure he is ready for Week 1.

Even if Hunter were fully healthy, he likely would not have played in the preseason finale. Coen confirmed that none of Jacksonville’s starters will suit up against Miami, allowing the team to focus entirely on preparing for the season opener against the Carolina Panthers on September 7.

Hunter’s only preseason action came in the August 9 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he caught two passes for nine yards and took eight snaps on defense as a cornerback.

Team Approach and Player Outlook

The Jaguars are being overly cautious with Hunter’s recovery, reflecting the value they place on the rookie’s health and long-term availability. The coaching staff wants to minimize any risk of aggravating his upper-body injury, prioritizing Week 1 over additional preseason reps.

Hunter’s limited participation in practice earlier this week indicates that he is progressing but is still being closely monitored.

Travis Hunter looks…EXPLOSIVE 💨

It’s rare to see a CB or WR move like this.pic.twitter.com/CBK6oNMclh

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 20, 2025

Despite missing the final preseason game, team insiders have expressed confidence that Hunter will be ready for the regular-season opener. This measured approach ensures the star rookie can contribute fully on both offense and defense without risking further setbacks.

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Hunter’s versatility as a wide receiver and cornerback makes him a key piece in Jacksonville’s game plans, so protecting him now is seen as a critical step in building a strong season.

As the Jaguars wrap up their preseason, the focus is now squarely on Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Hunter’s presence will significantly boost Jacksonville’s passing attack and secondary.

While fans have understandably been concerned about his limited action in August, the team’s cautious strategy reflects a commitment to his long-term impact rather than short-term gains in preseason games.

For now, all eyes will remain on Travis Hunter’s recovery and readiness as the regular season approaches. If his current trajectory holds, Jacksonville can expect its rookie star to be fully available and ready to make an immediate impact when the season officially kicks off.