San Francisco 49ers defensive end Drake Jackson - Michael Owens/GettyImages
Big news coming out of the San Francisco 49ers as defensive end, Drake Jackson, is set to miss the entirety of the 2024 NFL season. The news comes directly from the 49ers, who placed Jackson on the reserve/PUP list permenantly. Here is a look at Jackson’s time with the 49ers, and why he is set to miss the 2024 season.
Drake Jackson is Out for the Season
After having knee surgery in January, Jackson was placed on the PUP list. It was known he was not going to return for a while. Definitely not for the start of the season. With the announcement on Thursday, August 8th, it is confirmed he is out for the year. The knee injury was sustained early in the 2023 NFL season. The setbacks during recovery is what is keeping him out this year. Hopefully this time allows him to heal and hope for a comeback in 2025.
Placing Jackson on the reserve/PUP list permanently does open up a new roster spot. Following the announcement of Jackson’s season ending, the 49ers made a new signing. The San Francisco 49ers have signed defensive end, Jonathon Garvin to a one year deal. This is additional help to a position of need.
The good news for the 49ers, the chance of Jackson missing the season has been there. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been open that Jackson’s return would not be for a while. Now it is known a while means until 2025.
Drake Jackson with the 49ers
This would be Jackson’s third year in the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers selected the edge rusher in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 61st overall pick. In his first year, he was primarily a rotational piece on the defensive line. Heading into year two, the excitement for his season was there.
Jackson comes from USC where he played for three years. In those three seasons, Jackson forced 25 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles, according to Sports Reference. Being dominant in college, the 49ers knew their draft selection had high potential. Jackson also had the chance to develop as a rookie with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.
In week one of the 2023 season, the San Francisco 49ers faced the Pittsburgh Steelers. San Franisco’s dominant performance partially comes from Jackson. In the game, Jackson had three sacks. Hopes were high after that performance. Unfortinately, Jackson was rarely seen again. He did play in eight games, but his presence was not felt.
In his two seasons playing with the 49ers, Jackson had 21 combined tackles, 12 solo, five tackles for loss, and three sacks, according to Pro Football Reference. In 2022 he also had one interception. Jackson’s potential has been there, his injuries just took over. Once healthy, hopefully he can make a comeback.
What’s Next for Drake Jackson?
Facing knee injuries early in one’s career is a challenge. Facing a setback in his recovery makes his return even more difficult. This will be just his third year, hopefully for the young player next year he can come back strong. It will be a defining year for him. The first step is of course to recover, but then to work up the strength and get back to football form. This year off could help him fully recover, and help him get ready for next year’s camp.
His future with the 49ers will come down to all of that. He will need to come back and prove he has fully recovered. He can then compete for a roster spot in 2025. If he makes the 53-man roster, he can hopefully make his presence felt early on. Jackson is still a young player, only 23, and his future is bright, he just needs to recover from this knee injury.
