Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen just dropped the bomb: Travis Hunter “definitely will” play both wide receiver and cornerback as he returns to action. Speaking to reporters after Friday’s practice, Coen laid out the plan, confirming that while it might not happen in every single game, the Jags are absolutely committed to unleashing Hunter’s unique two-way talent. This isn’t just talk, either, it’s a strategic move to get him into positions where he can flat-out dominate.
No Play Count, Just Pure Talent
Coach Coen made it clear they aren’t going into Sunday with some arbitrary play count for Hunter. He’s not just a pass-catcher either; Coen highlighted that Hunter is a “damn good blocker” and can “run routes in terms of maybe the ball’s not schemed up to go to him.” That’s the kind of versatility that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep. The idea is simple: let Hunter do what he does best, whether that’s shutting down a receiver or making a critical block to spring a run. It’s a chess match, and the Jaguars are clearly banking on Hunter being their queen. This kid’s got the chops to impact the game even without the ball in his hands, which is a rare, rare thing in the league today.
From Rookie Setback to Double Threat Comeback
Remember last season? Hunter only hit the field for seven games, sidelined by injuries including a nasty torn LCL that basically ended his rookie campaign way too early. Still, when he was out there, he proved his worth, playing more than 50 percent of both offensive and defensive snaps in Weeks 2 and 3. This year’s official Week 1 depth chart shows a clear shift: Hunter is listed as a starting cornerback and second-string wide receiver. That’s a flip from last season, where he started as a receiver and was the backup at corner. Why the change? Simple: the Jags are loaded at receiver now, with Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and Brian Thomas Jr. forming a strong starting trio. General Manager James Gladstone even said back in May they planned an “uptick” in cornerback reps for Hunter in 2026. This isn’t an experiment; it’s a targeted development plan after a year of injury.
Now, all eyes turn to EverBank Stadium this Sunday. Hunter and the Jaguars kick off their regular season against the Cleveland Browns. How much will he play? How will his dual-threat ability impact the game? The Browns defense is about to get a taste of what the Jags have been cooking up all offseason. Get ready for some fireworks, because Travis Hunter is back, and he’s bringing the heat from both sides of the ball.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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