Jaguars' Travis Hunter and Key NFL Sophomores Fully Cleared for 2026 Training Camps

As NFL franchises prepare to open their 2026 training camps in late July, several teams are receiving massive boosts with the medical clearance of key young players. Leading the charge is Jacksonville Jaguars two-way standout Travis Hunter, who has been fully cleared for action following a premature end to his rookie campaign.[1][2]

Hunter suffered a season-ending LCL tear in November 2025, halting a highly anticipated debut season where he was deployed as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. The injury required surgical repair, but his rehabilitation has progressed rapidly over the spring and summer.[2]

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, Hunter is expected to be a full participant when the Jaguars open camp. This aligns with earlier optimism from Jacksonville General Manager James Gladstone, who indicated in May that the young star was ahead of schedule in his recovery.[1]

Jacksonville's coaching staff remains committed to utilizing Hunter's unique dual-threat capabilities. On offense, he will rejoin a crowded wide receiver room that features Brian Thomas, Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington, all vying for targets from quarterback Trevor Lawrence. A strong, healthy camp will be critical for Hunter to establish a defined rhythm on offense before Week 1.[2]

Hunter isn't the only Jaguar returning to the field. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., who underwent a procedure on his left foot earlier in the offseason program, is also expected to be ready for the start of training camp, providing crucial depth to the Jacksonville backfield.

In the AFC East, the New York Jets are welcoming back a pivotal piece of their 2026 draft class. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq, selected 16th overall, is expected to be ready for camp after missing organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp due to hernia surgery.[3]

The hernia issue stemmed from a college injury that the Jets were fully aware of during the pre-draft evaluation process. While Sadiq will have to play catch-up after missing spring reps, offensive coordinator Frank Reich views the 6-foot-3, 241-pound tight end as a mismatch nightmare due to his blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash speed.[3]

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans are getting defensive reinforcements just in time for the grueling summer sessions. Linebacker Jamal Hill, who underwent surgery on a wrist ligament earlier this offseason, participated in Houston's OTAs and is expected to be at 100 percent for training camp.[4]

The Texans will also see the return of defensive lineman Logan Hall. After signing a two-year, $13.75 million deal with Houston this offseason, Hall has been recovering from knee tendonitis and a minor groin injury. He has been cleared to carve out a role along the defensive front as the Texans look to solidify their rotation.[4]

In the NFC South, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to be a full go for training camp. The 2024 second-round pick is completing his long recovery from a second ACL tear suffered in December 2024, providing a massive, long-awaited boost to the Panthers' rushing attack.

These successful rehabilitations highlight the continuing advancements in modern sports medicine, allowing players to recover from significant ligament and structural repairs in time for the NFL preseason. As veterans and rookies report to facilities across the country, the health of these returning stars will dictate early depth charts and set the tone for the 2026 season.