The number two pick is missing!
As I am writing this, the Jacksonville Jaguars are beating the New Orleans Saints in preseason. Good news so far!
But the most important story of the night is the absence of Travis Hunter.
Preseason does not matter significantly. However, it is important for critical first team players to get their practice reps in, and Hunter is notably missing.
It was revealed on Friday that the two-way star had sat out of practice due to an upper body injury. Liam Coen was quick to add that this was a precautionary measure.
I think this could be an important detail ahead of the start to the season that we face.
An upper body injury in itself is not a reason to be concerned; players get knocks all the time.
However, Hunter’s has to be taken with a bit more seriousness.
Two-way brings more risk?
Hunter has clearly shown that he has the ability to play on both sides of the ball. He did it successfully in Colorado and is seeking to be the first player in a generation to complete the feat in the NFL.
However, playing on both sides of the ball in the NFL is very different to college football.
Hunter will be playing more snaps than anybody else on the field. Undoubtedly, his injury risk increases as he plays more.
I think opposition teams will play to this increased risk. Tiring out the generational talent is a simple but effective way to negate his impact on the football and to counter his impact in a game.
So far, Hunter has played one preseason game and already issues are starting to arise. If a single position player was rested and taken out for a game, then they will probably, barring significant injury, be ready for the next fixture.
In Hunter’s case, the risk of him missing multiple games due to injury or simply exhaustion is a risk that could rise exponentially.
