Raiders Coach Pete Carroll Praises Jaguars Rookie Travis Hunter's Two-Way Play

The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season, with both teams coming off bye weeks and seeking to regain momentum. A major focus is on Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick, who has impressed with his dual-threat ability as both a wide receiver and cornerback, highlighted by a recent 101-yard, one-touchdown game against the Rams. Raiders head coach Pete Carroll praised Hunter's football IQ, toughness, and versatility, noting Hunter's comfort playing both ways since youth football and his significant role in the Jaguars' offense and defense. Carroll also emphasized the advantage of having players with prior chemistry, such as Tyler Lockett and Geno Smith, to improve Raiders' performance. Meanwhile, Carroll provided an optimistic update on Raiders' tight end Brock Bowers, who is nearing a return from injury, offering hope for the struggling team. Overall, the matchup will test the Raiders' ability to contain Hunter and leverage their evolving roster to get back on track.