According to coach Deion Sanders, Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter is recovering from a shoulder injury and should play a larger role against Cincinnati this week after missing the second half against Arizona on Saturday.

“Travis is better than he was last week,” Sanders said. “I think he will be more productive because he feels a lot better than last week. As you could clearly see from his little excitement and the way he approaches life, his walk is a little more energetic today.”

Hunter suffered a shoulder injury two weeks ago against Kansas State that prevented him from practicing much before the trip to Arizona last week. Hunter was limited in the first half against Arizona – he played 41 snaps on offense and 13 on defense – and with the Buffaloes leading 28-7 at halftime, he was rested in the second half.

“I think he definitely did some conditioning today to make sure he's on the right track with his conditioning because he never gets tired and we want him to stay the way he is, but I think “He will certainly contribute a lot more than he did a week ago because he is healthier,” Sanders said.

In ESPN's midseason Heisman Watch released last week, Hunter ranked No. 2 behind Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. In seven games, he has 51 catches for 604 yards and six touchdowns; and on defense he has two interceptions, 18 tackles and a forced fumble.

The Buffaloes (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) are looking to achieve bowl eligibility in a full season for the first time since 2016 and second time since 2007. (They played in the Alamo Bowl in 2020 after six regular season games.)