The Washington Commanders are finally getting some of their injured players back. Several influential figures were ruled out for the entire campaign long ago, but head coach Dan Quinn can take solace from the fact that some are starting to improve their fitness levels heading into the business end of the campaign.
And for one barely-mentioned in-season move, there is now a chance to resurrect his career when all hope seemed lost.
These returns haven't come soon enough to save the season. The Commanders are officially eliminated from wild-card contention, so this is all about salvaging respectability and evaluating the roster before a pivotal offseason in 2026.
Commanders could get surprising boost if Drake Jackson plays well
Drake Jackson joined the Commanders earlier this season. The defensive end knows Adam Peters well from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers. Still, he was immediately placed on injured reserve to continue his recovery from a significant issue. The USC product hasn't played since the 2023 campaign, but those in power are now looking to give him a shot.
The Commanders activated Jackson from injured reserve on Thursday. He's taken the place of veteran safety Darnell Savage Jr., who was granted his release after being a healthy scratch against the Denver Broncos. Expecting miracles right away is unrealistic, but there is an opening for the 2022 second-round pick if his number is called.
Washington lacks consistent edge rushers, especially since Dorance Armstrong Jr. sustained a season-ending knee injury. Jacob Martin, Von Miller, Preston Smith, and linebacker Frankie Luvu have been trying to fill the void, so Jackson's presence could add to the dynamic if he's got something left in the tank.
Whether he's got enough remains to be seen. Jackson tore his patellar tendon during the Niners' training camp in 2024. He's not seen an NFL field in a competitive setting since. It'll be an emotional return if active this weekend at the Minnesota Vikings, and he's no doubt going to have enough urgency to hit the ground running if reps on the defensive rotation come his way.
The Commanders haven't got anything to lose by throwing Jackson into the proverbial storm. It's also worth remembering that the Vikings' offensive line wouldn't be classed as stellar by any stretch. They are highly vulnerable, so there could be plenty of opportunities to apply pressure on J.J. McCarthy if Quinn delivers the required schematic designs.
Jackson knows this is probably the last chance saloon. The Niners gave up on him, and if he cannot show some signs of life with the Commanders over their final five contests, the league could look away entirely. That is the stake he's facing, but he displayed exceptional resolve to make it this far.
Hopefully, that should serve him well in the line of fire.