Is Travis Hunter injured? Why Colorado two-way star sat out second half vs. Arizona

Colorado suffered a narrow loss to Kansas State last week, but even more concerning was an injury that knocked two-way star Travis Hunter out of the game.

Every sign since that point has been positive for the Buffaloes. Not only did Hunter return to start Saturday’s matchup with Arizona, but Colorado put its Week 7 loss in the rear-view mirror by scoring four touchdowns in the first half against the Wildcats.

Hunter, however, was spotted on the sideline in the second half, raising a red flag for anyone supporting the potential No. 1 pick in the Heisman Trophy race.

Here’s what you need to know about Hunter’s status after he sat out late in Colorado’s game. 

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Is Travis Hunter injured?Hunter is not believed to be seriously injured despite sitting out the second half on Saturday, though he suffered a “slight re-aggravation” of his shoulder injury in the first half. 

“It’s more just to be cautious with him with this game the way it is,” the Fox broadcast reported when Colorado and Arizona started up again after halftime. Hunter was seen sporting a hoodie on the sideline with the Buffaloes up 28-7. 

Hunter was officially ruled out for “preventative measures” after a fairly quiet first half on his end.

The 21-year-old suffered a shoulder injury against Kansas State a week ago and didn’t return, but Deion Sanders spoke positively about Hunter’s health throughout the week. Hunter did indeed play against Arizona, but with three touchdowns separating Colorado and Arizona, Sanders opted to play it safe in the second half. 

Colorado can’t complain about Saturday’s game after jumping out to a huge lead, but Hunter’s second consecutive early exit could absolutely have an impact on his Heisman Trophy chances. Saturday was an opportunity to gain ground on Ashton Jeanty with Boise State on a bye, but Hunter wasn’t able to leave an impression while another contender, Miami QB Cam Ward, put together a stellar day against Louisville.

Winning is the priority for Coach Prime, and Colorado was on track to beat last season’s win total with win No. 5 when Hunter left against Arizona.

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Travis Hunter stats vs. ArizonaHunter had a quiet day against Arizona, hauling in two catches for 17 yards. He only recorded one tackle on the defensive side of the ball before bowing out.

Receptions: 2Receiving yards: 17AVG: 8.5TDs: 0Tackles: 1Passed defended: 0INTs: 0Hunter has 604 yards and six touchdowns through seven games, two of which he exited early.