With the Jaguars hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Paycor Stadium, HC Liam Coen is confronting an odd predicament. The team’s robust 1-0 start is being tested not by the Bengals’ skills but by the bitter realities of dealing with injuries and spreading the roster thin. Jacksonville’s do-everything two-way phenomenon and No. 2 choice of the 2025 NFL Draft, Travis Hunter, was a dynamic force in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. But with injuries mounting throughout the roster, Coen is faced with an uncomfortable dilemma: how to best use Hunter without burning the young star up.

Jacksonville enters Sunday’s game with five players on the injury report, most notably starting cornerback Montaric Brown (ankle, doubtful). Brown’s uncertain status elevates Hunter’s importance to the defensive game plan, as his versatility becomes crucial for depth in the secondary. NFL insiders suggest Coen’s strategic use of Hunter balances energy preservation with defensive needs. “It’s a matter of ensuring we get Travis in the right spots,” Coen explained. “We want him contributing where it matters most without wearing him down.” The approach reflects Jacksonville’s careful management of its dual-threat player amid mounting injury concerns.

The Jacksonville injury report shows mixed news for several key players heading into this week’s matchup. Offensive lineman Wyatt Milum remains out with a knee injury despite limited practice participation. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun battled an illness but achieved full practice participation while maintaining solid 2025 defensive production with 10 tackles, one interception, and one pass defended. Offensive linemen Cole Van Lanen (shoulder) and Anton Harrison (back) both returned to full practice participation despite their respective injuries, with Van Lanen having appeared in two games during the 2024 season and Harrison logging three games. The return to full practice for three of the four players provides optimism for Jacksonville’s depth and availability moving forward. While they determine the best position for Hunter.

Hunter made a huge immediate impact in his NFL debut, playing 42 snaps on offense and six on defense during Jacksonville’s 26-10 victory over Carolina. He carried 64% of the offense but only 9% of the defense. Coen indicated that this week is the week to ramp up his defensive role, especially against the Bengals’ top receiving duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. “It’ll be a likely uptick,” Coen said. “Going into Week 1, it was okay—we knew it wasn’t going to be a ton on defense. The goal is to increase and continue to increase. It just so happens that we’re playing Cincinnati with two good wideouts this week.” By emphasizing defense, the Jaguars hope to limit big plays while still maintaining Hunter’s offensive presence in crucial situations.

The foremost determining element for this approach is Hunter’s unique two-way skill set. As the current Heisman Trophy winner, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a college player, along with intercepting four passes on defense. This dual skill set on both sides of the ball presents an unparalleled challenge for foes to coordinate and prepare for his play.

What will be Hunter’s role in week 2? Will he play on both sides of the ball?

Hunter’s role amid Bengals clash.

James Gladstone, the Jacksonville general manager, mentioned the advantage of not knowing: “There’s a competitive edge to not knowing fully which side of the ball he’ll be deployed on. That mixture can vary week to week and keeps opponents guessing.” Jacksonville listed Hunter as both a starting wide receiver and second-string cornerback on its initial depth chart released earlier this month. The dual-position assignment reflects general manager James Gladstone’s strategic plan, outlined after roster cuts, to utilize Hunter on offense while expanding his defensive snap count to maximize his versatility and value to the team.

Analysts predict the Week 2 matchup will test Jacksonville’s adaptability. Frank Frangie, radio voice of the Jaguars, noted, “If the Jags can establish the run and win the trenches, they can get to 2-0. But Burrow can make life difficult, so the defense needs to be physical and disciplined.” Former defensive end Jeff Lageman added, “Cincinnati’s wideouts are explosive. The Jaguars’ secondary has to stay alert and execute perfectly for sixty minutes.”

Hunter’s adaptability speaks to the balance Coen is trying to strike: get everything out of a generational player and cycle through a weakened roster. By game planning, snap management, and situational football, the Jaguars are going to try to get everything out of Hunter without wearing him out. This week’s game might come down to how well the Jaguars can strike that balance with trying to check the Bengals’ explosive offense.