JACKSONVILLE - Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, is playing more and expecting to play even more Sunday as the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) host the New England Patriots (1-1) at EverBank Stadium, with Head Coach Liam Coen signaling the team will look for new ways to deploy the two-way standout after a 20-13 Week 2 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Hunter has logged 66 defensive snaps through the first two games - approximately 58 percent of defensive plays - while also seeing limited offensive work: 10 snaps total, with one reception for eight yards in a Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns. He played six offensive snaps in the Denver loss, Jacksonville’s lowest-scoring output since a 35-7 Week 7 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams at Wembley Stadium in London last season.
“Anytime you struggle, offensively specifically, you look at the totality of it all and Travis is a big part of that,” Coen said. “We’re looking at continuing to find different ways to get him involved. You’re also looking at the other side of the ball and looking at are we batting here on defense in terms of all that stuff. The missed assignments, communication. I thought he did a nice job, throughout the course of the week and we’re going to look at giving him some more this week.”
Hunter, who sustained a season-ending knee injury Oct. 30 last season that cut his rookie year to seven games, said the return has felt natural. “I feel like I just move a lot quicker,” he said. “I know a lot more than what I did last year, and I just feel like the guys are starting to trust me a little more and more every week. So just continue to just get better and be comfortable out there.”
On defense, Hunter rotates at outside cornerback alongside veterans Jarrian Jones and Montaric Brown. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile said snap counts will remain fluid. “The more reps obviously you get, the better that you’re going to be,” Campanile said. “As time goes on, you’re always looking at those things. Every game is a little bit different. Those conversations are always being had every game. It can change week to week, but yeah, that’s always a challenge.”
The Jaguars’ run defense will face a stiff test against Patriots running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. Jacksonville has allowed 95 yards rushing per game this season. “That’s definitely a challenge, because you got some guys that can break it if you don’t get your eyes right, you’re not playing with gap integrity, there’s not a team tackling mentality,” Campanile said. “Those things are going to show up and they’re going to get you.”
The Jaguars listed five players as limited in practice: running back LeQuint Allen Jr. (hip), center Robert Hainsey (elbow/groin), defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (back), wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (thumb) and right tackle Cole Van Lanen (knee). Cornerback Christian Braswell was a full participant with a knee issue, while linebacker Branson Combs missed practice for a personal matter. Kickoff Sunday at EverBank Stadium is the Jaguars’ second consecutive home division game to open the season.