The Jacksonville Jaguars still expect Travis Hunter to play both wide receiver and cornerback in 2026, even after a season-ending knee injury raised questions about the physical toll of a two-way role.
Even after coach Liam Coen said late in the season it was too early to determine whether the team would continue deploying Hunter on offense and defense, Jaguars general manager James Gladstone offered clarity Wednesday.
“We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball,” Gladstone said. “Obviously, you can take a peek at expiring contracts on our roster and which side of the ball has more. … Corner is a position where we have a few guys who are on expiring contracts. So, by default, you can expect there to be a higher emphasis on his placement.”
“He’s hitting it hard… We still expect him to play on both sides of the ball.”
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 14, 2026
James Gladstone on Travis Hunter’s rehab process and the energy he brings each day. Pic.twitter.com/KRguDGVynR
Colorado's 2024 Heisman Trophy winner played 324 offensive snaps and 162 defensive snaps in seven appearances before suffering a non-contact knee injury in practice Oct. 30.
Hunter finished his rookie season with 28 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown, along with 15 tackles and three pass breakups on defense. He was on the field for 67% of the team’s offensive snaps and 36% of its defensive snaps.
Jacksonville had begun to feature Hunter more prominently in the passing game prior to its Oct. 19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in London. This was partly due to his explosiveness and also because of Brian Thomas Jr.’s drop issues. Hunter responded with eight catches for 104 yards and a touchdown.
“With Travis having gotten to a place midseason where you felt like he was starting to peak,” Gladstone said. “Tough not to see that come to life down the backstretch.”
The Jaguars later acquired Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders and signed him to a three-year extension, but Hunter remains a top priority in the franchise’s plans. He underwent surgery Nov. 11 to repair a torn lateral collateral ligament and is expected to return to full football activities within six months.
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