Travis Hunter injury update: Latest news on Colorado WR's availability for Arizona showdown

Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter is likely to suit up for the Buffaloes on Saturday against Arizona (2 p.m. ET, FOX). After leaving last week’s 31-28 loss to Kansas State with a shoulder injury, there's growing optimism that he'll return to action.

Hunter, a Heisman Trophy candidate, sustained the injury in the second quarter after a 14-yard catch saw Kansas State safety Daniel Cobbs deliver a hit to his right shoulder.

He was examined by trainers and later seen on the sidelines in uniform but didn't re-enter the game. Despite the setback, coach Deion Sanders reassured fans Tuesday at his weekly news conference in Boulder:

"Travis should play for certain on Saturday, Jimmy as well. Will Shepard should play as well. Timmons and Omarion are probably out," Sanders said.

Before the injury, Hunter had logged three catches for 26 yards and one tackle. Colorado (4-2) will be counting on his presence as it faces Arizona (3-3), aiming to bounce back from last week's defeat.

Additionally, Colorado wide receiver Omarion Miller is out indefinitely with a broken lower left leg, while WR Terrell Timmons Jr. is also sidelined with an unspecified injury. Miller had surgery on Monday and might miss the rest of the season.

“I never thought four receivers would get injured in one game. That’s just ridiculous,” Deion Sanders said. "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.

“We have to keep going no matter what.”

Ashton Jeanty

Travis Hunter in ESPN's mid-season Heisman poll

Travis Hunter, Colorado's star corner/wide receiver, has made a strong impression this season, earning 52 votes in ESPN's mid-season Heisman poll, including three first-place picks. This reflects just how valuable and versatile he is on the field.

However, according to Sports Illustrated, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty edged him out with 66 total votes and 11 first-place selections. Miami’s Cam Ward, the only quarterback in the top three, took third place.

Hunter's standout performance came in Colorado's 48-21 victory over UCF, where he shined on both offense and defense. His highlight reel moment? A diving interception that led him to strike the iconic Heisman pose. He also caught nine passes for 89 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat talent.

Before his injury, Hunter was on the field for 92% of Colorado’s offensive and defensive plays, totaling 663 snaps. No other FBS player has reached 500 combined snaps, making Hunter’s case for the Heisman even stronger.