The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to showcase rookie Travis Hunter in a unique two-way debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their preseason opener.

Why it matters: This game marks a significant moment for the Jaguars as they experiment with Hunter’s versatility, positioning him as both a receiver and cornerback—a bold move that could redefine his impact on the team and influence future roster strategies.

Hunter's dual role is particularly noteworthy given the evolving nature of NFL offenses that increasingly favor versatile players capable of contributing on both sides of the ball.

What’s new: The Jaguars head coach, Liam Coen, confirmed that the starters will see playing time in the preseason opener, although the duration will depend on how the game unfolds.

• Coen emphasized the importance of communication with players, stating, “I appreciate that and definitely more of what you're looking for in terms of the communication and the ability to be honest.”

By the numbers: Hunter has demonstrated his adaptability through practice, having worked on both offense and defense three times leading up to this game.

• During the previous scrimmage at EverBank Stadium on Friday night, he made his two-way debut, showcasing his skills in a controlled environment before facing the Steelers.

What to watch: The effectiveness of Hunter’s two-way play could signal a broader trend towards hybrid positions in the league.

• With only one joint practice scheduled against the Miami Dolphins on August 21, this preseason opener represents a critical opportunity for the Jaguars to assess Hunter's potential contributions under real-game conditions.

Yes, but: While the excitement surrounding Hunter's dual role is palpable, the coaching staff must balance his usage to avoid overextending him during the preseason.

• Managing player workloads is vital, especially in an era where health and longevity in professional football are paramount concerns.

The bottom line: As the Jaguars prepare for their matchup against the Steelers, all eyes will be on Travis Hunter, whose performance may not only impact the outcome of the game but also shape the trajectory of his career and the team's strategic approach moving forward.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to showcase rookie Travis Hunter in a unique two-way debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their preseason opener.

Why it matters: This game marks a significant moment for the Jaguars as they experiment with Hunter’s versatility, positioning him as both a receiver and cornerback—a bold move that could redefine his impact on the team and influence future roster strategies.

Hunter's dual role is particularly noteworthy given the evolving nature of NFL offenses that increasingly favor versatile players capable of contributing on both sides of the ball.

What’s new: The Jaguars head coach, Liam Coen, confirmed that the starters will see playing time in the preseason opener, although the duration will depend on how the game unfolds.

• Coen emphasized the importance of communication with players, stating, “I appreciate that and definitely more of what you're looking for in terms of the communication and the ability to be honest.”

By the numbers: Hunter has demonstrated his adaptability through practice, having worked on both offense and defense three times leading up to this game.

• During the previous scrimmage at EverBank Stadium on Friday night, he made his two-way debut, showcasing his skills in a controlled environment before facing the Steelers.

What to watch: The effectiveness of Hunter’s two-way play could signal a broader trend towards hybrid positions in the league.

• With only one joint practice scheduled against the Miami Dolphins on August 21, this preseason opener represents a critical opportunity for the Jaguars to assess Hunter's potential contributions under real-game conditions.

Yes, but: While the excitement surrounding Hunter's dual role is palpable, the coaching staff must balance his usage to avoid overextending him during the preseason.

• Managing player workloads is vital, especially in an era where health and longevity in professional football are paramount concerns.

The bottom line: As the Jaguars prepare for their matchup against the Steelers, all eyes will be on Travis Hunter, whose performance may not only impact the outcome of the game but also shape the trajectory of his career and the team's strategic approach moving forward.