Commanders defensive end Drake Jackson will make his 2025 debut on Saturday against the Eagles, per The Athletic’s Tashan Reed.
Jackson, 24, has not played since 2023 due to a torn patellar tendon that sidelined him for 2024, as well. The 2022 second-round pick was waived by the 49ers in May and took visits with other teams in October. Jackson eventually signed with the Commanders but was moved to injured reserve as soon as he arrived in Washington to continue his rehab.
Jackson made his practice debut a month later and was activated just before his 21-day practice window expired. He still needed a few more weeks to ramp up, but he is finally ready for his first in-game action of the season.
The former USC standout only appeared in 23 games in his first two seasons, but he did flash some potential before his knee injury, Jackson recorded six sacks and five tackles for loss while playing a rotational role on the 49ers defensive line. After such a major injury and an extensive recovery process, though, a return to his previous form is no guarantee.
Those factors may also cause the Commanders to be cautious with Jackson on Saturday. Their defensive end room has been ravaged by injuries this year, but the group has found some stability in recent weeks after the acquisitions of Clelin Ferrell and Keion White. A number of minor injuries have continued to plague the unit, so Jackson will provide reinforcements for the next few weeks. Washington has already been eliminated from the playoffs and may give him some more run if his debut goes well so they can evaluate him for next year.
Clelin Ferrell and Keion White are on 49ers, not Commanders.
Oh boy, this is a big miss