Travis Hunter, star receiver and cornerback for the Colorado Buffaloes, sustained a lacerated liver during the Week 3 game against Colorado State. Head coach Deion Sanders initially stated that the versatile player would be out for three weeks.
After seeing Colorado’s blowout loss to Oregon, Hunter called for him to return to the lineup in the Buffaloes’ Week 5 home game against USC. Hunter sat out that game due to health concerns.
But will Hunter be on the field in Week 6 against Arizona State?
Travis Hunter Injury Update
Despite some optimism that Hunter could return early against the Sun Devils, he is out in Week 6 and likely Week 7 against Stanford. Head coach Deion Sanders said Hunter would ideally return after the bye week against UCLA, whose matchup comes in Week 9.
MORE: When Is Travis Hunter Eligible for the NFL Draft?
The Buffaloes have clearly prioritized Hunter’s health over everything else by allowing him to sit as long as necessary.
What Happened to Hunter?
In Week 3, Colorado State safety Henry Blackburn hit Hunter late out of bounds, causing him to crumble to the ground in clear pain. Hunter was diagnosed with a lacerated liver after being taken to the hospital in the direct aftermath of the hit.
Henry Blackburn was assessed a personal foul after this late hit on Travis Hunter. pic.twitter.com/0avKi1erLU
— ESPN (@espn) September 17, 2023
It was a hit that created controversy and buzz, as Blackburn was only flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct instead of being ejected for targeting. He received death threats from fans in the aftermath of the heated moment, which Sanders condemned immediately.
Hunter also posted a YouTube video that showed him and Henry Blackburn going bowling. The two were in contact after the game, and Hunter wanted to show that he wasn’t angry with him. He also called the injury a “blessing in disguise.”
Travis Hunter as an NFL Draft Prospect
Hunter is eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is currently a sophomore at Colorado and will have another season left before he can throw his name in for the NFL. When he’s ready, what is his draft projection?
Speaking about Hunter’s draft potential after his game against TCU, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders called him a No. 1 pick “on both sides of the ball.”
Sanders praised Hunter’s work ethic and willingness to keep playing despite having an incredulous workload on both sides of the ball.
Hunter followed up his performance against TCU with another heavy workload against Nebraska, playing over 100 snaps yet again. Hunter pulled in three catches for 73 yards and finished with four tackles against the Cornhuskers.
Several prominent two-way players have ended up being first-round selections. While these players haven’t played to quite the same prominence or volume as Hunter has on both sides of the ball, Adoree’ Jackson, Jabrill Peppers, Shaq Thompson, Charles Woodson, and Champ Bailey were all first-round picks in their respective drafts.
UCLA linebacker Myles Jack would have likely been a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft were it not for a torn meniscus during his last season.
As it stands right now, it appears Hunter is on track to be picked highly when he is finally eligible in the 2025 NFL Draft.
