Drake Jackson's Return Offers Commanders a Glimpse Into the Future - and a Shot at Redemption
The Washington Commanders are out of the playoff picture, but that doesn’t mean these final few weeks are meaningless. Far from it.
With the postseason officially off the table, the focus shifts to evaluation, development, and perhaps most importantly - opportunity. And for a player like Drake Jackson, that opportunity could be career-defining.
Jackson, the former second-round pick out of USC, hasn’t seen a snap since the 2023 season. After being acquired earlier this year, he was immediately placed on injured reserve to recover from a torn patellar tendon suffered during training camp with the 49ers. But now, with the Commanders activating him off IR, there’s a real chance for him to reintroduce himself to the league - and potentially carve out a role in Washington’s future plans.
A Familiar Face in a New Place
Jackson’s arrival in D.C. wasn’t random. He has a connection to Commanders general manager Adam Peters, who was part of the 49ers front office when Jackson was drafted. That familiarity might’ve helped get his foot in the door, but staying in the building will be up to Jackson - and what he shows on the field in these final five games.
His activation came alongside a roster move that saw veteran safety Darnell Savage Jr. released after being a healthy scratch against Denver. That’s a signal: Washington is shifting gears. It’s time to see what the younger, unproven players can do - especially in a pass rush group that’s been decimated by injury.
A Thin Edge Room Could Be Jackson’s Opening
With Dorance Armstrong Jr. sidelined for the season due to a knee injury, Washington’s edge rotation has become a patchwork effort. Jacob Martin, Von Miller, Preston Smith, and linebacker Frankie Luvu have all been asked to step up and generate pressure off the edge, but consistency has been hard to come by. That’s where Jackson comes in.
If he’s physically ready - and that’s still a big “if” after such a significant injury - he could immediately see rotational snaps. He doesn’t need to be a game-wrecker right away, but even flashes of the explosiveness that made him a Day 2 pick could go a long way in earning trust from the coaching staff.
And let’s be honest - the Commanders don’t have much to lose by giving him a shot. The defense has struggled to generate heat off the edge, and the upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Vikings presents a favorable opportunity. Minnesota’s offensive line has had its issues in pass protection, and if defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. can scheme up some favorable matchups, Jackson might find himself in the backfield sooner than later.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher for Jackson
This isn’t just a late-season cameo - this is a career crossroads. The 49ers moved on.
The league has largely been quiet about Jackson since his injury. If he can’t show something - anything - over the next month, it’s fair to wonder if another opportunity will come.
That’s the reality of the NFL for players on the fringe: the window is small, and it doesn’t stay open for long.
But credit to Jackson - just getting back to this point is no small feat. Patellar tendon injuries are brutal, especially for edge rushers who rely on burst and bend.
The fact that he’s back in uniform, ready to contribute, speaks to his work ethic and resilience. Now it’s about translating that into production.
What the Commanders Can Learn
For Washington, this is about more than just Jackson. It’s about identifying who fits into the long-term vision under Dan Quinn and Adam Peters.
With a pivotal offseason looming in 2026, every snap matters. Every rep is a chance to evaluate talent, test depth, and maybe - just maybe - uncover a hidden gem.
Drake Jackson’s story isn’t over yet. And if he can seize this moment, it might just be the start of a new chapter - both for him and for a Commanders defense in search of answers.