Big news out of Jacksonville! Fans have been holding their breath about Travis Hunter’s Week 1 status, but the Jaguars GM just dropped a bombshell update. Will the dynamic two-way star truly be ready to ignite both sides of the ball against the Panthers, or are there still lingering doubts?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to receive an immediate dividend on their significant investment in dynamic wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, as the general manager confirmed his readiness for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season.
Considerable uncertainty surrounded Hunter’s availability for the season opener after the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft suffered an upper-body injury on August 14th. This setback caused him to miss the final two preseason games and significantly limited his participation in practice.
However, general manager James Gladstone provided a reassuring update on Wednesday, indicating that the outlook for the versatile athlete is overwhelmingly positive. Hunter has fully recovered from his injury and is now expected to feature prominently in the Jaguars’ inaugural game against the Carolina Panthers.
Adding to the optimism, the Jaguars anticipate Hunter will fulfill his intended role as a two-way player from the outset. Gladstone clarified that the injury has not altered the team’s long-standing plan for him to contribute significantly on both offense and defense.
“There hasn’t been any shift on that front,” Gladstone stated. “We expect him to be who we know him to be, and that’s somebody who impacts both sides of the football.” This confirms the organization’s confidence in his unique abilities.
Hunter’s exceptional talent for playing both ways, and excelling at it, was a primary factor in his Heisman Trophy win during his collegiate career at Colorado, showcasing his rare skill set that captivated scouts.
The Jaguars demonstrated their belief in Hunter by executing a significant trade with the Cleveland Browns to secure his services, moving up from the No. 5 overall pick to No. 2. This maneuver involved parting with the No. 5 pick, a 2025 second-round pick, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and their 2026 first-rounder, underscoring the immense value they place on the two-way phenom.
