The Jacksonville Jaguars are confronting uncertainty heading into the 2025/26 NFL season, as rookie wide receiver Travis Hunter is sidelined with an upper-body injury, and running back Travis Etienne’s future with the team has become a subject of growing speculation. These developments come mere weeks before the season opener, raising concerns about the team’s offensive stability.
Hunter, selected second overall and seen as a foundational player for Jacksonville’s future, had shown promising progress during training, participating in 364 snaps across both receiver and cornerback roles in just 15 sessions. However, the injury has forced the coaching staff to limit his practice time, leading to him missing the August 15 walkthrough and potentially the upcoming preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. Although he remains engaged in learning the offensive system, his absence further strains a receiving corps already grappling with depth issues.
Impact of Travis Hunter’s Injury on Jaguars’ Receiving Group
Hunter’s rapid development and growing rapport with quarterback Trevor Lawrence were on clear display during Thursday’s scrimmage, emphasizing his importance to Jacksonville’s offense. The team now faces the challenge of compensating for his limited availability as they prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on September 7.
Without Hunter at full strength, the Jaguars’ receiving unit is forced to adapt quickly, affecting timing and chemistry at a critical stage of preseason preparations. The coaching staff must balance caution with urgency to ensure Hunter’s injury does not derail offensive cohesion.
Travis Etienne’s Preseason Struggles and Trade Speculation
Meanwhile, the conversation around Travis Etienne has shifted from on-field performance to his standing within the team. Etienne left practice on August 15 due to cramping and missed a scheduled media session, an incident seen as minor but coinciding with increasing rumors of a possible trade. Head coach Liam Coen publicly denied these rumors, emphasizing the complexities of Etienne’s position rather than confirming any immediate moves.
Despite back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Etienne’s efficiency has raised questions, with averages of 3.8 and 3.6 yards per carry over the past two years ranking among the lowest for starting running backs. His limited preseason action—finishing with two carries for six yards and a single reception for 10 yards—has done little to alleviate concerns about his role.
Competing backs Tank Bigsby and rookie Bayshul Tuten are aggressively seeking increased opportunities, placing additional pressure on Etienne to prove his value. This internal competition highlights the fragile balance within the Jaguars’ backfield as they evaluate personnel ahead of roster finalizations.
Jaguars Navigating Roster Challenges Ahead of Preseason Games
Jacksonville is facing a delicate situation: safeguarding key players like Hunter while addressing injuries and internal uncertainties, particularly regarding Etienne’s status. With the preseason schedule progressing rapidly, the team must not only fill immediate gaps but also solidify their offensive core to meet expectations for the coming season.
The precarious condition of the roster could influence strategic decisions in upcoming games and potentially affect how the Jaguars handle trades and player management moving forward. The outcome will be crucial to maintaining confidence in a team expected to contend but currently experiencing growing pains.
Upcoming Preseason Matchup Against the New Orleans Saints
The Jaguars’ next opportunity to assess their roster and adjust will come during their preseason game on Sunday, August 18, at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT, held at the Caesars Superdome. Fans can watch the game live on NFL Network and regional affiliates, with streaming available via the NFL+ app for subscribers.
Jacksonville enters the matchup following a narrow 31-25 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in their first preseason game, while the Saints experienced a 27-13 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers. This upcoming game will be critical for evaluating the health and performance of key players like Hunter and Etienne before final roster cuts.