Jaguars’ Travis Hunter placed on IR with knee injury, raising big questions about his two-way future (Image via Getty)

Travis Hunter’s rookie season just hit a big bump. Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen said on Friday that the young wide receiver and cornerback will be placed on injured reserve after hurting his knee in practice on Thursday. Travis Hunter will now miss at least the next four games, the coach confirmed. Hunter got hurt during a non-contact drill, meaning no one hit him. The team is still checking how bad the injury is and how long he will need to recover. Coach Coen said they are looking at “the best plan for Travis and the team” before deciding more. Before the injury, Travis Hunter was having a mixed start to his first year in the NFL. In seven games, he had 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown. On defense, he made 15 tackles and three pass breakups.

Travis Hunter was just starting to find his rhythm. In Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams in London, he played his best game yet, catching 8 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown, all career highs.Coach Coen said, “You just feel bad for the kid and for our team. But he’s in good spirits. Minor setback for a major comeback.”Hunter was drafted No. 2 overall and joined the Jaguars hoping to become a rare full-time player on both sides of the ball, offense and defense. So far this season, he has played 305 snaps on offense and 154 on defense, showing his special two-way skills.

The Jaguars were planning to give Hunter a bigger role on offense after their bye week, but those plans are now paused. The team is 4-3 and still fighting for a playoff spot in the AFC.With Hunter out, the Jaguars will need Brian Thomas Jr. and other young receivers to step up.Coach Coen said, “It’s never good timing for an injury, but I believe in Travis as a person and as a competitor. He’ll come back better than ever.”Also Read: “She Grew Up With Patrick”: Randi Mahomes Reveals How Brittany Became The Heart Of Patrick Mahomes’ WorldTravis Hunter’s return timeline depends on how his knee heals, but he will miss at least four games before being eligible to come back.