The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without rookie sensation Travis Hunter for the rest of the 2025 season after the wide receiver and cornerback underwent successful surgery to repair a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, the team announced Tuesday.

Hunter, the No.2 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, sustained the injury in practice on Oct. 30. Initial tests offered hope for a late-season return, but follow-up scans revealed the need for surgical repair. The recovery timeline – expected to last up to six months – officially ends his rookie campaign. 

Hunter had shown flashes of the two-way brilliance that made him one of the most anticipated rookies in years. He recorded 28 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown on offense, while adding 15 tackles and three pass breakups as a part-time cornerback. Until his injury, Hunter played 67% of the team’s offensive snaps and 36% of the defensive snaps.

His most memorable outing came in London against the Los Angeles Rams when he hauled in eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown – his first NFL score. That performance drew national attention and solidified the Jaguars’ decision to trade up to draft him.

The team moved Hunter to injured reserve following the procedure. According to ESPN, no additional ligament damage was found and full recovery is expected before training camp next Summer.

For Jacksonville, the loss comes as the club continues its playoff push at 5-4. Hunter’s absence forces the Jaguars to rely more heavily on veteran receivers and their secondary depth, areas where his two-way skill set had already made an impact. 

Hunter, 22, entered the NFL after a standout career under Deion Sanders at Colorado and Jackson State, where he became known for excelling on both sides of the ball. His dual-position ability – rare at any level of pro football – made him a central storyline through the early months of the NFL season.

ESPN reported that on Wednesday, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said it’s too early to start wondering about Travis Hunter’s future as a two-way player. 

The setback halts what has been one of the league’s most promising rookie seasons. His recovery now becomes the focus, with both Jacksonville and the wider football community awaiting his return in 2026.