The San Francisco 49ers' decision to release Drake Jackson after a failed physical following a patellar tendon injury could serve as a cautionary example for the Philadelphia Eagles as linebacker Nakobe Dean recovers from the same injury.
The San Francisco 49ers' recent release of Drake Jackson, who failed a physical due to a torn left patellar tendon suffered last season, casts a sad shadow over Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean’s recovery from the same injury.
Jackson sustained his injury in Week 8 of the 2023 season and has struggled to regain form more than a year later, prompting San Francisco to cut ties with the former second-round pick. Before his setback, Jackson had shown flashes of promise, recording six sacks in 23 games, including a dominant three-sack performance against Pittsburgh in the 2023 season opener.
For the Eagles, Jackson’s failed comeback serves as a potential warning sign for Dean, who tore his left patellar tendon during Philadelphia’s Wild Card playoff game in January. Despite Dean’s optimism – he said during Super Bowl LIX that he’d "be back better than ever" – Jackson’s situation underscores the unpredictable nature of patellar tendon recovery, particularly for explosive athletes who rely on burst and lateral movement.
Dean’s injury is especially concerning given his importance to the Eagles’ linebacker corps following the departure of Zack Baun. General manager Howie Roseman has a track record of taking calculated risks on players recovering from significant injuries, having previously signed former 49ers draft picks like running back Tyrion Davis-Price and receiver Danny Gray after their releases.
Would Roseman consider adding Jackson to the mix, continuing the San Francisco-to-Philadelphia pipeline? While Jackson’s size (6-4, 273 pounds) and pass-rush potential are intriguing, his inability to pass a physical raises questions about his long-term viability.
The Eagles’ history with injured players offers mixed results. Safety Lewis Cine, a former first-round pick released by Minnesota after a severe knee injury, has yet to reclaim his pre-injury form. Meanwhile, safety Caden Sterns struggled to recover from his own patellar tendon tear and was released in October.
Patellar tendon injuries are notoriously difficult to overcome, often impacting explosiveness and lateral quickness – critical traits for linebackers who thrive on closing speed and pursuit angles. Nakobe Dean’s recovery will be closely monitored, with Roseman likely weighing potential contingency plans at the linebacker position.
