Jaguars coach signals shift in Travis Hunter usage after Week 2 loss

Key points

• Liam Coen stated the Jaguars will 'look at giving him some more' offensive snaps this week after struggling to move the ball in Week 2.
• Hunter has played 58% of defensive snaps and 9% of offensive snaps through two games, recording five tackles and one reception.
• The Jaguars lost to the Denver Broncos in Week 2, with Coen citing fourth-quarter offensive struggles as a reason to adjust Hunter's usage.
• Hunter has played only nine NFL games total due to a season-ending knee injury in 2025, limiting his regular-season experience to two games in 2026.
• The team faces the New England Patriots on Sunday, with four days remaining to adjust game plans.

Background

Hunter was selected second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft with the expectation of being a two-way starter. However, he missed the majority of his rookie season due to a right knee injury, playing only seven games. In the 2026 preseason, the Jaguars emphasized a defensive-first role for Hunter, with Coen stating he should focus on cornerback duties for mental reps. This week's announcement marks a potential shift from that defensive-heavy approach.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and Bleacher Report highlight Coen's direct admission that the team will increase Hunter's offensive involvement after Week 2 struggles. SI.com argues that the Jaguars must end Hunter's participation in the cornerback rotation and deploy him in place of Brian Thomas Jr. to maximize his impact. Jaguars.com offers a more defensive perspective, noting that Hunter has only played nine NFL games and that the coaching staff is prioritizing winning over fan expectations, while acknowledging that his usage does not yet reflect the investment of a second overall pick. Fan sentiment, as reflected in Jaguars.com's Q&A, is largely critical of the limited usage, with some questioning whether Hunter is dealing with an undisclosed injury or if the coaching staff is simply playing it safe.

Why it matters

Hunter's usage is a critical issue for the Jaguars, who invested significant draft capital to acquire him. His limited offensive impact and rotational defensive role have raised questions about the team's ability to maximize his talent. As the season progresses, the Jaguars must determine whether Hunter can be a full-time two-way player or if his role will remain limited, which could affect the team's offensive and defensive strategies for the remainder of the season.

What to watch

The Jaguars will face the New England Patriots on Sunday, with Coen expected to make adjustments to Hunter's usage based on the team's offensive struggles in Week 2. The team will also monitor Hunter's performance to determine if he can earn a full-time role on both sides of the ball.