If the Washington Commanders want to make some improvements before the 2026 offseason, they need everyone to make an impact. Whether it's the franchise cornerstones or those on the fringes, it's all hands on deck to raise standards.
They'll be getting several of their sidelined brethren back, which is Washington's primary objective in a season decimated by injuries. Safety Will Harris should play for the first time since Week 3, and reinforcements at wide receiver are expected as well.
Another player could also be making his Commanders debut, one who could become an intriguing X-factor down the stretch in 2025.
Commanders could give Drake Jackson a late-season audition if he proves his fitness
Of all of the areas in which the Commanders' injury woes have struck, none have hit harder than at defensive end. Dorance Armstrong Jr., Deatrich Wise Jr., and Javontae Jean-Baptiste are all out for the season, leaving Washington to start veteran journeymen Jacob Martin and Jalyn Holmes in recent weeks.
Now, help is on the way.
The Commanders signed Drake Jackson earlier this season and have been slowly moving him along through the process of getting back on the field. He hasn't played in the NFL since the 2023 season, after suffering a torn patellar tendon and experiencing career-threatening complications with his recovery.
If he is truly healthy, Jackson is a player with promising upside. He showed flashes with the San Francisco 49ers despite being buried as a backup behind a defensive line stacked with high-end talent. In Week 1 of the 2023 season, he recorded three sacks against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jackson might be a bit rusty after spending more than two full calendar years off the field, but he should have an opportunity to carve out a role for himself. Aside from him, the Commanders' healthy contributors at defensive end currently include Martin, Holmes, and Preston Smith. That is it.
With the Commanders effectively eliminated from playoff contention, Dan Quinn should — and likely will — use the remainder of 2025 as an evaluation of the younger side of his roster. Players like Jordan Magee, Ben Sinnott, Treylon Burks, and Kain Medrano should all see increased snaps.
Jackson is the wild-card. He might have nothing left after his arduous battle to return to the gridiron. Or he might become a bright spot on the Commanders' struggling defense and earn himself a long-term role with the organization.
There's only one way to find out.