When you are losing games and going backwards, you don’t stop working to help your team.Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters had lost his starting defensive ends, the defense was playing terribly, and he couldn’t simply sit back and wait until the offseason to do something. So on October 15, Peters signed ailing DE Drake Jackson.In 2022, Jackson was the No. 61 overall selection by the San Francisco 49ers. Peters was on that staff, an assistant general manager. Jackson played in 15 games in his rookie season, but only eight in 2023, because Jackson suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. In January, Jackson had surgery on his left knee. Jackson’s recovery did not go well, as he missed the entire 2024 season for San Francisco. In May of 2025, still failing his physical, Jackson was waived by the 49ers.Jackson has been working out for the Commanders for now seven weeks. Twenty-eight days after signing Jackson, the Commanders announced they had opened a 21-day practice window for Jackson on November 13. This allows the rehabbing player to practice with his team, and better prepare within in the scheme and practice demands for a possible return to in-game action this season..Then opportunity struck when, on Wednesday, former Packers and Maryland Terrapin safety Darnell Savage announced he no longer wanted to be part of the Commanders. Safety Will Harris had returned, and head coach Dan Quinn immediately gave Harris Savage’s playing snaps for the Broncos game. Might Savage also want out, hoping a contender might pick him up?A roster spot now open with Thursday’s release of Savage, the Commanders activated Jackson from the injured reserve. Jackson entered the league at 6-4, 273 pounds, and in his one and a half seasons in San Francisco contributed six QB sacks and 12 solo tackles. Washington hopes he has recovered enough that he can provide them a pass rusher again.I think Drake Jackson will be a big addition to our pass rush 🤝 https://t.co/63DpyUMp6D— Carolina Commander (@SC_Commanderr) December 4, 2025What will Jackson actually provide? No one knows, and how could anyone? Jackson has not played at NFL speed since Week 8 in 2023. No doubt, Jackson also wonders how he will do when he hits the field again. The Commanders are certainly hoping Jackson will play well, be productive, and they can sign him to a deal in the off season. If Peters can pull this off, it will go a long way in helping him prepare for what will surely be a very busy off season.This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Drake Jackson nearing a return