Travis Hunter's snap count vs. Bengals says everything about where his future is with Jaguars originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Two years into his NFL career, Travis Hunter is finally getting clarity on what his role with the Jaguars may look like going forward.
The former No. 2 pick was widely regarded as a can't-miss prospect on account of his two-way gifts. He took on similar responsibilities during his rookie season, regularly fielding snaps at wide receiver and cornerback before seeing his year come to a premature end due to injury.
Hunter hasn't featured too prominently in Jacksonville's offensive plans thus far. His performance in the Jaguars' win over the Bengals on Sunday appear to indicate that might be the norm going forward.
Here's what you need to know.
MORE NFL WEEK 4 NEWS:
- Why Patriots' win over Bills could be turning point of season
- How this Nick Sirianni decision doomed Eagles in loss to Rams
- CeeDee Lamb's 17 catches propel Cowboys' comeback win
- Jameis Winston proves it's not J.J. McCarthy time yet for Giants
Much of Hunter's appeal when he was drafted came from his desire to play two-way. Week 4 suggests things have changed for the former Heisman winner in the 18 months since he was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hunter played 76 snaps against Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon. All 76 were on the defensive side of the ball. His usage in the Bengals game represents the first time in his career that he has failed to appear on offense at all during a game, according to Pro Football Reference's game logs.
The second-year corner was deployed exclusively in the secondary, tasked with blighting the influence of Pro Bowl-caliber pass-catchers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. He shined in the role — albeit benefitting from injuries to both wideouts — surrendering just three catches for 21 yards on the day.
Joe Burrow posted a 58.3 passer rating when targeting Hunter. He racked up highlights in bunches on the day, laying out Dohnte Meyers with a crunching hit and leaving Higgins on the turf after jinking past him on an interception that was called back for a penalty.
Travis Hunter with a big hit, he's fired up! https://t.co/yEWpTbNa9W
— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) October 4, 2026
TRAVIS HUNTER PICKS OFF JOE BURROW 😳 Burrow was looking for Tee Higgins, and Hunter jumps it… then puts Higgins ON SKATES on the return 😭 https://t.co/0HJQnsmjVm
— Aggregate (@AggregateSports) October 4, 2026
Hunter paired volume with efficiency on Sunday afternoon. He was one of four Jacksonville defenders to play every defensive snap. He tallied his most pass deflections in a single game (two), proving a steady nuisance to Cincinnati's high-octane attack.
Travis Hunter playing man coverage to the top of the screen vs an out and up. Athletic 1 handed PBU https://t.co/FDNUQleM1M
— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) October 5, 2026
Head coach Liam Coen was one of his most vocal supporters after the game concluded, praising Hunter for his relentlessness in coverage.
"He played his ass off today," Coen said. "I just thought Trav balled today."
According to Coen, the team had some play designs for Hunter on the offensive side of the ball. But with injuries decimating Jacksonville's depth in the secondary, the team opted to prioritize him as a defender.
"He gets hurt on offense," Coen said, "we're in a real bad spot. Didn't want to put ourselves at risk there. I was very proud of the way Travis played defensively today."
Hunter's offensive snap counts have diminished precipitously compared to his rookie year marks. Coen vowed to get Hunter more involved in the Jaguars' attack after they loss to the Broncos in Week 2. Still, as long as he continues to produce on the defensive side of the ball, it will be hard to justify giving him too many looks on offense.
Based on recent comments from Coen, Hunter doesn't seem too bothered by that possibility.
"He cares about winning," Coen said ahead of Week 4. "That's what he cares about. All the other stuff — the reps, where we picked him, does that value. I don’t give two f’s about value, and neither does he. We care about winning, and that’s it.”
MORE NFL WEEK 4 INJURY NEWS:
- Saquon Barkley's injury is latest to lengthy list for Eagles
- Lamar Jackson leaves Ravens win with ankle injury
- Ja'Marr Chase evaluated for concussion in Bengals loss