The Jacksonville Jaguars slipped to a 4-3 record after back-to-back losses. Head coach Liam Coen thought that he would get support from the rookies like Travis Hunter. But the latest injury report has brought more bad news for the franchise ahead of their week 9 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

On Thursday, October 30, he suffered a non-contact knee injury in practice. They put him on the injured reserve (IR). It means he will not play the next 4 weeks (at least). According to the ESPN reporter Adam Schefter, his ACL is intact. But the Jaguars are making him go through various tests to assess the extent of the injury.

Playing as a dual-role player, the rookie had 28 receptions for 298 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Even as a rookie, he led the Jaguars’ WR department in receptions. As a cornerback, he also recorded 15 tackles (11 solo) and 3 passes defended. Moreover, he was emerging as their key player in the season as a surprise weapon. Head coach Liam Coen described the situation as unfortunate for the team, but he also showed confidence in his rookie to bounce back with full force.

“It’s definitely not ideal timing, not that any injury is ever ideal timing,” Coen said. “But you got to believe his mental, the makeup, his general attitude towards life and how he handles dealing with specific situations. I have a lot of belief in Travis as a person, as a competitor to come back better than ever.”

It becomes an even bigger jolt for the No. 2 overall pick of the NFL draft, as Coen was getting ready to give him larger roles in the upcoming weeks. But all those plans are on hold for now.

Not only the rookie, but the Jags will be missing 3 more receivers. It has created a WR crisis for the AFC South franchise.

Travis Hunter’s 3 WR teammates are also dealing with injuries

Receivers Dyami Brown, Tim Patrick, and Brian Thomas Jr. also dealt with issues during the week leading up to the Raiders matchup.

In 6 games this year, Brown caught 16 passes for 194 yards and scored 1 TD. He opened the week with a shoulder issue, but practiced fully later. So, the Jags haven’t listed him, but the health issues could cast a shadow on his performance.

Patrick had a lesser production, with only 4 receptions for 63 yards and 1 score. He couldn’t recover from the groin injury he sustained in the week 7 game against the Los Angeles Rams. He will not play against the Raiders and is listed as out. The Jags have elevated Austin Trammell from the practice squad to fill the gap.

However, the biggest bolt is Thomas Jr., their top receiver. In 7 games, he had 27 receptions for 365 yards and 1 TD. He also had a limited week in practice because of the shoulder issue. So, Liam Coen has all the reasons to worry about his receivers going into the week 9 clash.

Moreover, they are also hit by injuries to other players. In offense, they will be missing tight end Quintin Morris, who is out of the game because of a groin injury. LB Devin Lloyd, who recorded a 99-yard interception return in the Week 5 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, is also questionable because of a calf injury. Safety Eric Murray is dealing with a problematic neck and is out of the game, as he did not practice the entire week.

While the Raiders are also down with a 2-5 record, the return of TE Brock Bowers could motivate them to perform at their best. Can they surprise the fans? We will find out soon!