Travis Hunter has been having a breakout season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Following his best outing of the season against the LA Rams, he finds himself on the injured reserve list. While the Jaguars were expected to come out healthier after their Week 8 bye, they are instead worse for wear. However, one source believes that Hunter could well be on his way back sooner than expected.

Ahead of the Jaguars’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders, it was announced that the team would be without Devin Lloyd, Tim Patrick, and Travis Hunter. The 2024 Heisman winner’s loss is seen as the most impactful, owing to his contributions on both sides of the ball. Amid news of his injury, Deion Sanders‘ confidant, Uncle Neely, has given his take on when the Jags can expect Hunter to return.

Speaking on Thee Pregame Network, Uncle Neely, who has covered Hunter since his time at Jackson State, discussed the WR’s ability to recover quickly.

“Get well, Trav. I have been around him since he made it to college, Jackson State. I’ve seen him have an injury or two. His resilience and the bounce back in him is like no other. He has a Wolverine X-Man-type healing factor. So if they think this is four weeks, this is probably two and a half, three weeks for him.”

Jaguar fans will be delighted to hear this, but they will still have to cope with his absence for a few more weeks. What makes Travis Hunter’s injury even worse is the fact that it couldn’t have come at a worse time. Jacksonville is 1-2 in its last three games, and Hunter was just picking up steam. In the Jags’ 35-7 loss to the Rams, Hunter was one of the few bright sparks. The rookie contributed eight catches, 101 yards, and a touchdown.

As such, losing the former Colorado standout puts head coach Liam Coen in a difficult position. Seeing Hunter’s work ethic and dedication this season, the Jaguars HC feels deeply for his player’s current predicament.

Jaguars HC Liam Coen empathises with Travis Hunter following injury

The Jacksonville Jaguars face a run of games that could be make-or-break for their season. With Travis Hunter out, Liam Coen will have to rely on Dyami Brown and Parker Washington to fill the gaps. Hunter has not been having the most extraordinary season by any means, but the Jags are much better with him in the squad. The former Jackson State man also brings about an infectious energy that can light up any room.

Hunter’s dedication and hard work have won over the Jaguar HC, who empathized with the WR/CB’s situation. “It just feels… bad for the guy… for our team, for everything,” Coen said. “But he’s in good spirits right now. A minor setback for a major comeback. That’s just the way it’s got to be. I have a lot of belief in Travis as a person, as a competitor, to come back better than ever.” The head coach is currently assessing the best course of action for Hunter’s recovery and believes that he will miss “at least four games,” if not more.

Travis Hunter landed on the injury reserve following a non-contact knee injury during practice. He joins wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Tim Patrick, who are questionable, while Joshua Cephus has been on the IR since August. In the meantime, the Jaguars will take on the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.