Deion Sanders announces Travis Hunter return timetable from injury

Deion Sanders revealed star two-way player Travis Hunter is still two to three weeks away from returning to game action.

Hunter left Colorado’s win over Colorado State after halftime and was transported to the hospital for a lacerated liver. He missed the two losses to Oregon and USC.

But as of now, it looks like he won’t be back this weekend against Arizona State and likely won’t play against Stanford on October 13. Sanders revealed when he would like Hunter to return.

“I would love for him to be out until the bye week,” Sanders said, via Brian Howell.

The bye week is after Colorado’s game against Stanford, meaning Hunter would make his on-field return against UCLA on the road October 28.

Hunter was one of the biggest additions for Deion Sanders while he was the head coach at Jackson State. Originally committed to Florida State, he flipped his commitment to Coach Prime after coming in as the No. 2 overall recruit in the nation from the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Hunter was a Five Star Plus+ recruit, meaning he was one of the only players ranked by all four major recruiting media companies as a five star.

Travis Hunter could return October 28 vs. UCLA, per Deion Sanders

Hunter’s lived up to the billing so far this season, including getting Heisman buzz within the first two games of the year.

On offense as a wide receiver, Hunter has 16 catches for 213 yards, averaging 13.3 yards per catch. On defense, Hunter has nine total tackles, six solo tackles, one interception and two pass deflections.

Hunter returning to the lineup would be a huge boost to the Colorado defense. Former five-star and current true freshman Cormani McClain finally saw a lot of playing time against USC and played quite well, per Sanders.

Ideally, having them both have a role on defense would benefit the Buffaloes greatly. But there’s no mistaking Hunter’s prowess on defense, as well as the threat he presents on offense.

Freshman Omarion Miller stepped up against USC and had a career day, in his first collegiate action. Now just imagine that talent on the field alongside Hunter, giving quarterback Shedeur Sanders opportunity to spread the ball around.

Looking at the schedule, Colorado has favorable matchups against ASU and Stanford and could very well be 5-2 going into the bye week.

The postseason is a realistic possibility and with Hunter’s impending return, Colorado could be bowling later this year.