The Philadelphia Eagles have expanded their 16-player practice squad by signing defensive back Tariq Castro-Fields, who previously played for the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders. Additionally, they placed wide receiver John Ross on the Practice Squad Injured List, as announced on October 21.
Castro-Fields is the latest former 49ers draft pick to join the Eagles’ practice squad, following the recent additions of running back Tyrion Davis-Price and wide receiver Danny Gray.
It’s unclear whether Castro-Fields will play for the Eagles this season, but his experience could give him an opportunity.
Some Background on New Philadelphia Eagles DB Tariq Castro-Fields
Tariq Castro-Fields was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft following a standout college career at Penn State. After a short stint with the 49ers, he was waived and picked up by the Washington Commanders, where he played during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, appearing in 10 games.
In 2024, Castro-Fields joined the Carolina Panthers, where he played in two games, exclusively on special teams, before being waived on October 1. Now, he’s getting another opportunity with the Eagles.
Despite limited defensive action, with only 27 defensive snaps across three seasons, Castro-Fields has primarily contributed on special teams. He is likely to continue in that role for Philadelphia. At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, he has the physical attributes to develop into a solid player if he finds the right fit.
Does WR John Ross Have a Future With the Philadelphia Eagles?
Drafted 9th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft, John Ross made headlines by breaking the NFL Combine record with a blazing 4.22-second 40-yard dash. Despite the hype, his career has fallen short of expectations for a top-10 pick.
Ross’s best season came in 2019, where he had 506 receiving yards and three touchdowns in just eight games before being sidelined by injury. However, his time with the Bengals was plagued by health issues and inconsistent performance, leading to the team declining his fifth-year option. He was out of the league during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
In 2024, Ross joined the Philadelphia Eagles, but his impact has been minimal, with just one reception for 6 yards. After signing with the Eagles in the spring, Ross expressed optimism, saying he felt healthier and more consistent with his speed. “I just feel better… Can this guy go every single day and look the same every single day? And I feel like I’m getting to the point where I can be consistent with my speed,” he said in May.
So far, Ross has totaled 63 receptions for 963 yards and 11 touchdowns in 38 career games. Whether the Eagles will activate him again this season remains uncertain, given his limited usage.
