Jaguars expect Hunter to make impact on both sides: "We know him to be impactful."

The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to feature Travis Hunter, a dual-threat receiver and cornerback, in their season opener against the Carolina Panthers after his recovery from an upper-body injury.

Why it matters: Hunter's ability to impact both sides of the ball provides a significant advantage for the Jaguars as they look to establish themselves in a competitive AFC South.

• His versatility allows the coaching staff to implement various offensive and defensive schemes, enhancing game strategy.
• With Hunter fully healthy, the Jaguars can bolster both their passing attack and secondary coverage on opening night.

What’s new: Hunter has returned to full participation in practice following a two-week absence due to an upper-body injury sustained on August 14.

• General manager James Gladstone expressed confidence in Hunter's readiness: "He's on the grass today and rolling full speed."
• This marks a crucial milestone for the Jaguars as they prepare for their first matchup of the season.

By the numbers: Throughout training camp, Hunter demonstrated his dual capabilities with substantial snap counts on both offense and defense.

• In 15 full practices, he logged a total of 364 snaps: 188 on offense and 176 on defense.
• During 11-on-11 drills, the split was nearly even, with 173 snaps on offense and 168 on defense, showcasing his integral role in both units.

Yes, but: While Hunter's return is promising, adapting to the intensity of regular-season play poses challenges.

• Preseason snaps differ significantly from those in meaningful games, where opposing teams will test him more rigorously.
• The dual role could also lead to fatigue, especially if he remains heavily utilized throughout the game.

What to watch: Fans should keep an eye on how Coach Doug Pederson plans to deploy Hunter against the Panthers.

• Expect to see creative formations that leverage his skills, potentially using him in mismatches against Carolina's secondary.
• The effectiveness of Hunter in both roles may set the tone for the Jaguars' offensive and defensive schemes this season.

The bottom line: A successful performance from Hunter could elevate the Jaguars' prospects early in the season while also affirming his status as a rising star in the league.

• If he thrives in the opener, it could establish momentum for the team and validate the investment made in his multifaceted skill set.