Travis Hunter's Season Ends Early Due to Knee Surgery

Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie Travis Hunter will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee on Tuesday. The procedure repaired his lateral collateral ligament (LCL), with doctors confirming no other damage to the knee. Hunter is expected to return to full strength in approximately six months.

Injury Details and Recovery

Hunter sustained the injury during practice on October 30 while playing defense. Initial assessments suggested the injury might not be severe, but further tests revealed LCL damage. Fortunately, his ACL remained intact.

Hunter's Stellar Performance Before Injury

Hunter's last game was his best yet, where he recorded eight catches for 104 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown in a match against the Los Angeles Rams in London. This season, he has 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown, along with 15 tackles and three pass breakups on defense.

Impact on the Jaguars' Roster

Hunter was emerging as the team's top receiver, partly due to his skills and partly because Brian Thomas Jr. was struggling, having dropped five passes. With both Hunter and Thomas injured, the Jaguars traded for Jakobi Meyers, who played 24 snaps and caught three passes in his debut game.

Trade Details

The Jaguars made a significant trade to acquire Hunter, giving up four draft picks, including a first-rounder in 2026. They also traded the No. 5 pick, a second-round pick, and a fourth-round selection in the 2025 draft to the Cleveland Browns. In return, they received fourth- and sixth-round picks in the 2025 draft.

Looking Ahead

This is a major setback for both Hunter and the Jaguars. However, the team remains hopeful that Hunter will make a full recovery and return stronger next season.