Commanders' stunning offseason riser derailed as roster dreams vanish

Football can be a cruel sport at this time of year — or any time of year, for that matter. One piece of bad luck is all it can take to alter a player's career path. That proved to be the case for one surprising Washington Commanders offseason riser looking to shake things up on the depth chart.

There weren't many (if any) available spots in the tight end room. The top three are seemingly locked in and have been for a long time. The Commanders also like what they have in Colson Yankoff, the former undrafted free agent who deservedly propelled himself onto the squad in 2024.

However, there was a growing sense that Tyree Jackson was capable of making Yankoff and others feel slightly uncomfortable. The physically imposing tight end has been used sparingly throughout his NFL career, all of which has been spent in the NFC East. Making the roster remained a long shot, but the former Buffalo college standout was catching the eye positively nonetheless.

Commanders place Tyree Jackson on injured reseve, all but ending his slim roster hopes

Zach Selby from the team's website was among those suitably impressed by Jackson's playmaking prowess. Unfortunately, this momentum came screeching to an abrupt halt when the Commanders confirmed he'd been placed on injured reserve.

The nature of Jackson's issue wasn't disclosed, but it represents a cataclysmic blow to any faint hopes he had of pushing his way onto the 53-man roster. Considering he's firmly on the fringes, general manager Adam Peters' next step could even be to waive him with an injury settlement.

It's a cold business. Jackson found that out to his cost throughout a rollercoaster career that began with the Philadelphia Eagles and a stop in the Big Apple with the New York Giants before arriving in Washington. But this was probably his last chance of staking a legitimate claim, and injury once again derailed him.

This isn't a big deal for the Commanders. They have the trio of Pro Bowler Zach Ertz, blocking specialist John Bates, and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott leading the charge. Yankoff should also make it, but that's not as clear. This is a strong trio (or quartet) capable of achieving great things in 2025.

As for Jackson, he'll need to pick himself off the canvas once again. These flashes in Washington should serve him well, and the hope of being placed on the practice squad hasn't completely evaporated. But his predicament is more precarious than ever after another devastating setback.

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