The Jacksonville Jaguars have steadily been expanding Travis Hunter's role on defense through the 2026 season, but his growth on offense has so far been slower. Yet this appears to be intentional.
Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said in a press conference on Thursday that Hunter's involvement could vary dramatically from one game to the next as Jacksonville balances developing his offensive skill set with his extensive responsibilities on defense.
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"Some weeks it might be a strong feature of Travis and you may say, man, this guy suddenly had 10 catches one game and then the next game, it might only be two or three catches or a couple touches," Udinski said.
"But we know that he has that ability at all times."
Hunter has just six receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown through six games, with four of those catches and 59 of those yards coming in Jacksonville's 34-31 loss to Houston before the bye. That game offered the clearest look this season at what Hunter can provide on offense. He caught three passes for 40 yards on a fourth-quarter touchdown drive, including a 7-yard score that pulled Jacksonville within three points. He then intercepted C.J. Stroud in the end zone on Houston's next possession.
But Udinski said that workload won't be the same every week. Instead, he explained that Jacksonville is continuing to expand what Hunter can do as a receiver, while also developing ways to use him in the screen and run games. He also pointed out that Hunter contributes in ways that go unnoticed.
"Shoot, you see him blocking out there," Udinski said. "I think he's impressive from a blocker standpoint, whether it's in the pass game or screen game or in the run game."
Hunter has played 311 defensive snaps this season compared with approximately 30 on offense, as Jacksonville has made cornerback his primary role. That leaves the coaching staff looking to maximize a player with an unusually strong offensive skill set without overloading him.
"We know he provides a lot for our offense anytime he's out there because he's so good with the ball in his hands, has so much different route ability, but the time is limited," Udinski said. "So we're trying to be strategic in the way we continue to build his skill set and the way we utilize his skill set as a receiver."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars' Udinski explains why Travis Hunter’s role will vary by week
