Travis Hunter to Miss at Least Four Games

What They're Saying

SI.com Jaguars writer John Shipley: "With Hunter injured, 80% of the Jaguars' active wide receiver unit was limited in practice a few days before they play the Raiders. The only wide receiver who is not dealing with some kind of injury this week is Parker Washington, who has split time as the team's No. 3 and No. 4 receiver. Hunter was also set to take on a larger role in the Jaguars' struggling passing game."

ESPN Radio's Mia O'Brien: "Asked if Travis Hunter could be available come January/playoff push: 'we're still evaluating it.'"

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

As Shipley referenced, Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder), Dyami Brown (shoulder), and Tim Patrick (groin) also have seen limited practice time this week, despite getting the Week 8 bye to rest up. Thomas and Brown have even worn red, non-contact pinnies this week.

We'll see about game statuses for the whole corps ahead of Sunday's upside meeting with the Raiders. But the dire health situation has to chip away at the Week 9 fantasy outlook for QB Trevor Lawrence, who has already struggled to supply us points this season.

Beyond this week, Jacksonville will go at least three more games without a rookie who appeared poised to maintain an elevated role. Hunter set season highs in targets (14), receptions (8), and yards (101) and scored his first TD against the Rams last time out.

Hunter has run 65% of his (offensive) pass snaps from the slot, according to Pro Football Focus. So Washington likely stands to benefit most directly from his absence. Washington's aforementioned unique health status among Jacksonville WRs adds some sleeper potential for Week 9 PPR lineups, in particular.

Brown has played 65% or more of offensive snaps whenever healthy and could see a further boost in playing time and target share, if/when he's healthy enough.

Thomas should see his lead status less challenged while Hunter's sidelined ... assuming he's healthy enough.

We'll watch for further details on Hunter's injury and expected return timeline.

Waiver Wire Targets

Washington's worth a look at least in PPR leagues this week, ahead of a matchup with the Raiders. Vegas ranks fifth-most friendly to WR scoring by our adjusted fantasy points allowed.

Beyond this week, though, sit negative matchups with the Texans and Chargers. Week 12 at Arizona presents as a neutral spot for WR scoring right now, and the final game Hunter's IR designation requires him to miss.

Brown and Patrick could carry some deeper-league appeal, depending on the health status of both players (as well as Thomas).