Travis Hunter, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, made his preseason debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 31-25 loss. True to head coach Liam Coen’s plan, Hunter played on both sides of the ball. His total workload amounted to 18 snaps a mix of wide receiver and cornerback duties giving fans a first glimpse of the versatility that made him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hunter Shows Offensive Burst, Limited Defensive Impact in Dual-Role Preseason Debut
Hunter opened the game with the first-team offense, lining up at wide receiver for 10 of the first 11 snaps. He caught two passes for 9 yards and was targeted three times by quarterback Trevor Lawrence on a drive that ended with a field goal. One of his most dynamic plays a 7-yard gain on a screen pass involving a juke and spin move was nullified by a penalty, but his burst and agility were on display.
Travis Hunter (NFL)Hunter’s defensive reps came on the Steelers’ second possession, where he took five snaps at cornerback. While he didn’t record any defensive statistics beyond a missed tackle, he returned for a few more plays later in the game, bringing his total defensive snaps to eight. Coen noted after the game that while Hunter ran his offensive routes well, defensive evaluation would require a closer look at game film.
Jaguars Limit Hunter’s Preseason Snaps to Protect Key Rookie for Season
The Jaguars’ staff intentionally kept Hunter’s workload light, prioritizing his readiness for the regular season over extended preseason exposure. His time on the field ended after the first-team offense’s opening drive, and his defensive role was similarly brief. This cautious approach reflects the team’s commitment to protecting a valuable rookie asset.
Although his debut was modest in scope, Hunter showed enough to maintain high expectations for his rookie campaign. His ability to impact the game in multiple roles remains one of the most intriguing storylines of Jacksonville’s season. Coming just one day after his former Colorado teammate Shedeur Sanders impressed for the Cleveland Browns, Hunter’s quiet but promising start has only fueled the anticipation for what’s to come.
