San Francisco 49ers defensive end has struggled with ongoing injuries over the past two seasons, significantly limiting his time on the field. Since sustaining a patellar tendon injury in his knee during the 2023 season, He has remained sidelined, raising concerns about his recovery. With uncertainty surrounding his health, the 49ers are actively scouting defensive ends at the NFL Scouting Combine.
He last appeared for the team in Week 8 of the 2023 season before his injury forced him out. His knee required surgery, a procedure known for its challenging recovery process. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed His situation in August 2024, acknowledging the severity of the surgery and the unpredictable nature of the recovery timeline.
Shanahan’s remarks underscore the uncertainty surrounding such injuries, as even with proper rehabilitation, the recovery process remains difficult to predict.
General Manager John Lynch’s Perspective
General manager John Lynch also addressed Jackson’s injury, highlighting the challenges of recovering from a patellar tendon repair. He referenced McGlinchey’s struggles with a similar issue, noting that even after surgery, long-term effects can persist.
“That’s a tough injury,” Lynch said. “We learned that firsthand with McGlinchey. Those quad tendon repairs don’t just fix everything overnight. If you ask McGlinchey, he’d probably say he still plays through pain.”
Lynch also pointed to retired center Weston Richburg, who suffered a patellar tendon injury in 2019 and was unable to return to the field. While Jackson hasn’t experienced major setbacks, his progress has been slow, leading to some frustration.
“I wouldn’t say there have been setbacks, but it hasn’t been smooth,” Lynch said. “It’s not the most encouraging situation, but we remain hopeful. When healthy, Drake has shown he can be a valuable player for us.”