Jaguars to Increase Travis Hunter's Offensive Role After Week 2 Loss

Key points

• Liam Coen stated the Jaguars are 'looking at finding different ways' to get Travis Hunter involved offensively after their Week 2 loss.
• Hunter has played 58% of defensive snaps and only 9% of offensive snaps through two games, recording one catch for eight yards and five tackles.
• Coen described the situation as a 'balancing act,' acknowledging the team's offensive struggles, particularly in the fourth quarter, as a factor in the decision.
• The Jaguars will face the New England Patriots on Sunday, with Coen noting that Hunter's increased offensive role may require adjustments to target distribution among other receivers.
• Hunter's usage has drawn criticism, with some outlets noting that his limited offensive role is surprising given his status as the No. 2 overall pick and his previous two-way player aspirations.

Background

Travis Hunter was drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the Jaguars acquiring him via a trade with the Cleveland Browns. He suffered a season-ending right knee injury in Week 8 of his rookie season. In the 2026 offseason, the Jaguars signaled a shift in his role, with practice reports showing him mostly at cornerback and limited offensive snaps. Coen had previously expressed confidence in Hunter's ability to compete in multiple roles, but his usage in the first two games of the 2026 season has been heavily criticized for its limited offensive involvement.

How outlets are covering it

Bleacher Report and CBS Sports both emphasize Coen's direct quotes about the need to 'find different ways' to get Hunter involved, linking it to the team's offensive struggles in the fourth quarter. NBC Sports highlights the uncertainty around how much of an uptick in offensive snaps to expect, noting that Coen's comments suggest a gradual adjustment rather than a sudden shift. NESN focuses on the implications for the New England Patriots' defense, noting that they will need to prepare for Hunter's increased offensive role, which adds a unique game-planning wrinkle. All outlets agree that Hunter's limited offensive usage has drawn criticism, but they differ in their emphasis on the reasons behind Coen's decision, with some focusing on the team's offensive struggles and others on the need to balance his two-way role.

Why it matters

Travis Hunter's increased offensive role could impact the Jaguars' offensive strategy and target distribution, potentially affecting the performance of other receivers like Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. It also adds a unique game-planning challenge for opposing defenses, as they will need to account for Hunter's ability to play both offense and defense. The decision could also influence Hunter's fantasy football value, as his limited offensive usage has made him a risky pick in recent weeks.

What to watch

The Jaguars will face the New England Patriots on Sunday, with Coen expected to make final decisions on Hunter's offensive role. The team has four days to adjust before the game, and Coen's comments suggest that Hunter's increased offensive involvement will be a key factor in their game plan. The outcome of the game could provide further insight into the effectiveness of the adjustment and its impact on the team's offensive performance.