Colorado’s standout two-way player, Travis Hunter, exited the Buffaloes’ 31-28 defeat against No. 18 Kansas State late in the second quarter due to a right shoulder injury sustained while making a 14-yard reception.
In addition to Hunter, three other Colorado receivers were injured during the game: Jimmy Horn Jr. appeared to suffer an ankle injury, Omarion Miller sustained a left ankle injury, and Terrell Timmons Jr.’s injury was unspecified.
Head Coach Deion Sanders did not provide any updates on the injured players following the game, although he did note that Miller was in a walking boot. “I haven’t gotten an update on those young men,” Sanders said. “Hopefully, they can get back at it, but we’re not going to rush them. Their safety and their health is much more important than this game.”
The injuries had a significant impact on the close contest. “Certainly losing Travis and Jimmy and the others was tremendous,” Sanders acknowledged. “They’re a vital part of our team and our identity. That took a lot out of us. But other guys had the opportunity to step up, and they did.”
Despite the setbacks, quarterback Shedeur Sanders managed to throw for 388 yards and three touchdowns, along with one interception, completing 34 of 40 passes. He expressed surprise over the number of injuries, stating, “I never thought four receivers would get hurt in one game. That’s just ridiculous. But things happen. Life happens. So we’ve just got to roll with it and do what we’ve got to do for next week.”
The Buffaloes (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) felt Hunter’s absence more on the defensive side. They allowed two touchdowns and a field goal on their first three defensive possessions without him, falling behind 24-14. Even with Hunter on the sideline supporting his teammates, Colorado managed to take a 28-24 lead with just over three minutes left in the game but let a 50-yard touchdown slip away less than a minute later. The offense then failed to convert on downs in their final possession.
Before getting hurt, Hunter was expected to contribute extensively, averaging an impressive 124 snaps per game. He participated in all but one of Colorado’s first 45 combined offensive and defensive snaps. The injury occurred when Hunter caught a pass from Shedeur Sanders on a crossing route, gaining 14 yards before colliding with safety Daniel Cobbs. Though he held onto the ball, he signaled for a substitution and was later evaluated for a right shoulder injury.
Last season, Hunter missed three games due to a lacerated liver sustained from a hard hit against Colorado State. However, he has been a significant contributor this season and is considered a contender for the Heisman Trophy. In Saturday’s game, he recorded three catches for 26 yards and one tackle before his exit. This season, he has accumulated 49 receptions for 587 yards and two touchdowns, along with 16 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble on defense.