Overview
- Head coach Liam Coen said Hunter’s defensive time will see a “likely uptick” in Week 2 at Cincinnati as part of a deliberate, incremental plan.
- Hunter logged 42 snaps at receiver and six at corner in Week 1, finishing with six catches for 33 yards and one tackle in a rare two-way debut.
- Coen attributed the limited defensive role in the opener to missed camp time and a decision to avoid overloading him with complex coverages.
- The matchup features Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who combined for 200 receptions last season but totaled five catches for 59 yards in Week 1.
- Reaction around the league includes Joe Burrow praising Hunter’s ball skills, while Rex Ryan argued he should specialize at corner and Ja’Marr Chase called true two-way duty rare and taxing.