MIAMI GARDENS, FL – Travis Hunter’s preseason has come to an end.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ top pick and the team’s starters won’t play in their final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Jaguars coach Liam Coen said he’s focused on getting Hunter, who has been dealing with an upper body injury this preseason, ready for the season opener at home against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 7,
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“It was being smart about the next few weeks. The ultimate goal is Carolina [in Week 1]. That’s at the top of mind right now,” Coen said of Hunter after a joint practice with the Dolphins on Thursday, Aug. 21. “We’re moving in the right direction.”
If the Jaguars needed Hunter to play in a game, Coen said the receiver/defensive back would be healthy enough to be in action.
However, the Jaguars are taking a conservative approach with their No. 2 overall pick from the 2025 NFL draft.
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Hunter worked in individual drills on offense, but did not participate in any 11-on-11 work during the one-day joint practice.
Hunter played 10 snaps on offense, and eight snaps on defense during his preseason debut on Aug. 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He did not play in the Jaguars’ second preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 17.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said he’s been able to build some chemistry with Hunter since the spring, but the two will need to work on their timing before the season.
The Jaguars’ offense is installed, but there are some routes they have not worked on together because of limited time, Lawrence said.
“Hopefully we’ll get him back out there, running around really soon, and we can make up ground we might have missed,” Lawrence said of Hunter.
“When it comes to man coverage, and him going and winning and making a play, I’m not as worried about that. I just have to give him a good throw.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travis Hunter preseason injury update: Jags’ top pick eyeing Week 1
