Colorado star Travis Hunter is expected to play against Cincinnati this week, Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders said. Hunter missed the second half of the team's 34-7 win over Arizona as a precautionary measure.
Hunter first suffered the shoulder injury in a 31-28 loss to Kansas State, missing most of the second half. He played through the first half of the Arizona win, but returned to the sideline in street clothes after halftime, though looking to be in good spirits. The Buffaloes held a 28-7 lead heading into halftime against the Wildcats.
Sanders believes that Hunter can play a bigger role in Week 9 as the Buffaloes travel to face off against the Bearcats. Colorado can reach six wins for the first time since 2016 with a win over Cincinnati. The Buffs are five-point betting favorites heading into the game, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Hunter's return is also significant for his Heisman Trophy chances heading into the heart of the Big 12 schedule. He is currently a +1500 bet to take home the trophy, according to FanDuel. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Miami quarterback Cam Ward are the co-favorites at +200, followed by Oregon signal caller Dillon Gabriel at +350.
A key part of Hunter's case is his otherworldly stamina and availability, which has taken a hit over the past two games. After recording more than 100 snaps in the Buffaloes' first five games, he was held to fewer than 50 in each of his past two contests.
Despite the injuries, Hunter has caught 51 passes for 604 yards and six touchdowns and recorded two interceptions in a sensational season for the Buffaloes.
