Coach Deion Sanders sees ‘tremendous chance’ for Travis Hunter’s return in Week 7

Travis Hunter Week 1 Highlights | Colorado vs. No. 17 TCU | 2023 Season

Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders expressed optimism on Tuesday about Travis Hunter’s return in Week 7 of CFB against the Stanford Cardinals.

Hunter, a former five-star high school recruit, plays wide receiver and cornerback for Sanders at Colorado, following the coach from Jackson State Tigers. In the first three games of 2023, he made 16 catches for 213 yards on offense and contributed one interception, two pass breakups and nine tackles on defense.

Hunter sustained a lacerated liver on September 16 during the Buffaloes’ 43-35 double-overtime win against the Colorado State Rams. According to Sanders, Hunter’s readiness depends on his condition, practice performance and stamina.

“There’s a tremendous chance he could play,” said Sanders when asked about Hunter’s condition. “It goes by how he looks, how he performs in practice. How his wind is. He has to be in shape.”

Hunter’s injury occurred when Rams defensive back Henry Blackburn tackled him. Blackburn made the hit after a pass from Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders had already gone past Hunter and the initial Rams defender, forcing Hunter to exit the game.

A video posted on social media by Darius Sanders of The People Media showed the 20-year-old player engaging in one-on-one drills with WR Omarion Miller. Hunter’s return to practice came approximately a week after Sanders initially suggested that the athlete take a break until the Buffaloes’ bye week.

“He came to me (Monday) morning saying, ‘What more can I do to help us get to the point that we need to get to?’” Sanders said. “So I love the team aspect of Travis 100 percent. I hope he can play.”

Sanders noted that Hunter would wear protective gear around his liver area.

Aside from Hunter, Sanders expects running back Alton McCaskill to have a more prominent role in the upcoming game against Stanford. McCaskill is recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire 2022 season. Up to this point, he has only six carries for 22 yards in two games for the Buffaloes.