Photo Credit: AP Photos
The Jacksonville Jaguars will finish the season without one of their brightest young stars. Rookie wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter underwent successful surgery on his right knee Tuesday and will miss the rest of the 2025 campaign, the team announced.
Details of the Injury and Surgery
Hunter suffered a non-contact injury during practice on October 30 while working on the defensive side of the ball. Initial MRI results showed no ACL damage, giving the Jaguars some early optimism, but further evaluation revealed a torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper performed the procedure in Dallas with Jaguars team physician Dr. Kevin Kaplan. The team confirmed that doctors found no additional damage and expect Hunter to make a full recovery within six months, keeping him on track to return for offseason workouts.
Hunter’s Impactful Rookie Season
Before his injury, Hunter showcased the two-way versatility that made him one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. In his final outing—a Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in London—he recorded eight receptions for 104 yards and his first career touchdown.
Through seven games, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner totaled 28 catches for 298 yards and a score on offense, while adding 15 tackles and three pass breakups on defense. Hunter had begun to emerge as the team’s No. 1 receiver amid Brian Thomas Jr.’s struggles and Dyami Brown’s shoulder injury.
Roster Moves and Playoff Implications
In response to a thinning receiver corps, Jacksonville traded for Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders before the November 4 deadline. Meyers made his Jaguars debut in Week 10, catching three passes for 41 yards during a 36–29 loss to the Houston Texans.
The defeat dropped the Jaguars to 5–4 and widened their gap behind division-leading Indianapolis. With the AFC playoff race tightening, Jacksonville’s postseason hopes now depend on keeping pace with contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens—without their top rookie playmaker.
A Costly Investment and a Long-Term Outlook
The Jaguars made a bold move to acquire Hunter, trading up in the 2025 NFL Draft to select him second overall. The deal sent a future first-round pick and multiple mid-round selections to the Cleveland Browns, underscoring Jacksonville’s belief in Hunter’s rare dual-threat potential.
While his rookie campaign has been cut short, the franchise expects him to return fully healthy for minicamp next spring. The long-term plan remains centered around Hunter’s unique skill set and his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball.
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