Hunter expected to get larger role after early exit vs. Arizona

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said that two-way star Travis Hunter is expected to see an increase in playing time Saturday against Cincinnati as he continues to work his way back from a shoulder injury.

Hunter "will certainly contribute a lot more than a week ago because he's healthier," Sanders said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. The Buffaloes coach shared that the star cornerback/receiver showed more "pep in his step today" as well as more energy during the team's conditioning.

Hunter sustained a shoulder injury in the first half of the Buffaloes' 31-28 loss to Kansas State. He returned to the sideline in the second half after being attended to in the team's locker room but did not re-enter the game.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior started last week's 34-7 win over Arizona but returned to the sideline without his equipment after halftime after possibly re-aggravating the injury earlier in the game.

However, Hunter was pulled from the game for "precautionary measure" after Colorado jumped out to a big lead in the first half.

The Georgia native recorded two receptions for 17 yards along with one tackle before leaving last week's matchup.

Hunter has established himself as a Heisman Trophy contender through the early portion of the season. He leads all Buffaloes' pass-catchers with 51 catches and 604 yards while also adding six touchdowns. He's also recorded 19 tackles, two interceptions, and three pass breakups through seven games on defense.