Travis Hunter is dealing with a minor upper-body issue but has returned to Jacksonville Jaguars practice in limited fashion. He took part in stretches and individual drills, plus walkthroughs, while 7-on-7s and full-speed reps remained away from his schedule. The injury is described as precautionary and day-to-day, with optimism that he’ll be able to participate more fully as the team heads toward joint practices with the Dolphins. Jacksonville intends to deploy him as a two-way contributor, easing him in on defense while keeping him full-time on offense, with reps increasing as the season unfolds.

Hunter did not play in the Jaguars’ preseason tilt against New Orleans, continuing a pattern of cautious management from Liam Coen and the medical staff. Insiders have stressed the issue is minor and situational, not a sign of overuse, and the goal is to have him closer to 100% by the Miami sessions. If all goes well, he could be cleared to log full work on both sides in preparation for Week 1, a development that would significantly boost fantasy value given his multifaceted role.

The broader takeaway is Hunter’s versatility remains a focal point for Jacksonville’s offense and defensive schemes. He’s spent more practice days on offense recently, yet his snap counts across offense and defense have been roughly even. The dynamic adds a layer of complexity for fantasy managers, who will need to monitor practice reports closely to gauge when he’ll be available for full usage and how Jacksonville plans to balance his two-way workload in real-game situations.

Preseason Week 2 offered a clearer early read on rookie roles and fantasy upside. Jihaad Campbell flashed as a physical fit for Philadelphia, posting an impressive 85.0 PFF grade across 29 snaps and hinting at a possible rotational ceiling for the Eagles’ front. Jaxson Dart’s performance for his new team showed efficiency in a conservative game plan, relying on short hits and yards after catch to post points despite limited air distance. Cam Ward’s night in Tennessee emphasized his willingness to push vertically, even as accuracy wavered and decision making caught up to the aggressiveness. Travis Hunter’s Week 2 status for Jacksonville highlighted the fragility and depth concerns at corner and receiver, while Abdul Carter’s Giants debut reflected the team’s ongoing experimentation with edge sets. On the injury front, Elic Ayomanor stepped onto the radar with a notable air yard profile before being sidelined, and Adrian Martinez’s low-volume, decision-heavy outing suggested a learning curve as he competes for a late-season roster spot. The takeaway for fantasy managers is to monitor snap growth, role clarity, and offensive scheme fit as these rookies transition from college to the NFL.

Beyond the Week 2 box score, the data drive a practical fantasy script: Campbell and Carter could push into meaningful rotational bits if they earn early trust. Ward and Dart offer speculative Week 1 upside if coaching staffs lean into aggressive game plans or injury-driven opportunities. Hunter’s health remains a key variable for Jacksonville’s pass game, while Martinez’s continued development will determine if he becomes a real dice-roll quarterback streaming option. In short, this rookie cohort is evolving, and owners should watch for minute-by-minute shifts in roles, rather than early-season hype.

Abdul Carter sits as the overwhelming favorite to win the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year, slotted at +250. His Penn State numbers—24 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks in his final college season—set the table for a quick-impact rookie season in New York, where he is labeled the likely DROY favorite from day one. The Giants’ faith in his pass-rush ceiling and run-defense versatility drives the line, making him a cornerstone piece in early-season fantasy lineups.

Behind Carter, Travis Hunter and Jalon Walker headline the next tier. Hunter, balancing dual roles at college, enters the NFL spotlight with a workload question mark that could influence Defensive Rookie odds if snaps are limited. Walker brings Georgia pedigree and a documented pass-rush impact as a first-round pick for Atlanta, while James Pearce Jr. lurks at 18-1 value for the Falcons, following their back-in-the-first-round swing for a disruptive edge presence. The betting angles tilt toward Pearce Jr. as the most appealing long-shot bet, with Walker not far behind in potential upside.

The article also notes BetMGM’s promo for new users, and frames the race as a mix of immediate impact versus workload reality, with Hunter’s two-way versatility and Pearce Jr.’s pass-rush bursts offering compelling fantasy leverage if the rookies see early playing time.

RJ Harvey shines as a potential lead back for Denver after a strong early-down showing in the preseason, hinting at a backfield role that could yield steady early carries and strong passing-game usage if he wins the passing-down job. The Payton era has a track record of turning versatile backs into fantasy producers, which supports Harvey’s upside even in a volatile backfield.

Travis Hunter’s 11-personnel-heavy preseason debut with Jacksonville signals a sizable offensive role if he settles at receiver, with slot reps mixing in behind Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown. Rashee Rice is still the focal point for fantasy managers, a proven late-round standout whose ADP reflects a high ceiling after last year’s breakout. J.K. Dobbins’ third-down role around preseason usage adds nuance to Denver’s backfield, while Jordan Mason’s path to Minnesota could elevate him as a seasonal value big-man in the late rounds.

Travis Hunter arrives in Jacksonville with a rare, game‑changing versatility that could unlock instant multi‑position value for the Jaguars. Two‑way talent in college suggests a spark on both sides of the ball, and fantasy players are eyeing him as a ceiling‑raising rookie if he lines up in gadget packages, returns, and occasional offensive snaps early in the season.

Alongside that dynamic is a modern‑era sidebar: a weekend media stir after Dennis Rodman’s livestream jab at Hunter’s personal life and speculation about Hunter’s marriage. The piece frames the rookie’s pro transition against noise, stressing watchful optimism about how Jacksonville might maximize his dual‑role impact while acknowledging the inherent rookie risk.

Bottom line for fantasy: Hunter’s ceiling is enormous if his usage reflects his college two‑way hype, but concrete week‑to‑week plan and role clarity will dictate his early fantasy footprint. Dynasty angles may already be carving out a path, with strong upside if he proves into multiple packages early in his rookie year.