The Philadelphia Eagles have added another player to their 16-man practice squad, signing former defensive back Tariq Castro-Fields, who previously played for the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders. Additionally, the Eagles placed wide receiver John Ross on the Practice Squad Injured List. These roster changes were announced on October 21.
Castro-Fields is the latest ex-49ers draft pick to join Philadelphia’s practice squad, following the recent additions of running back Tyrion Davis-Price and wide receiver Danny Gray. While it’s unclear if Castro-Fields will play for the Eagles this season, his prior NFL experience suggests it’s possible.
Background on Tariq Castro-Fields:
Castro-Fields was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a standout career at Penn State. After a short stint with San Francisco, he was claimed by the Commanders, where he appeared in 10 games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In 2024, he joined the Carolina Panthers, playing in two games on special teams before being waived on October 1. Now with the Eagles, he could continue in a special teams role, having played just 27 defensive snaps over his three-year career.
Despite his career instability, Castro-Fields has the physical attributes—standing 6-foot-1, weighing 200 pounds, and boasting a 4.38-second 40-yard dash—that could help him thrive if given the right opportunity.
John Ross’ Status with the Eagles:
John Ross, drafted 9th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, gained attention for his record-breaking 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. However, his career hasn’t matched the expectations of a top-10 pick. His most productive season came in 2019, when he recorded 506 receiving yards and three touchdowns in just eight games before an injury cut his season short. Ross has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, leading to his release from the Bengals, and he was out of the NFL in 2022 and 2023.
Ross joined the Eagles in 2024 but has had minimal impact, registering only one reception for 6 yards. While he expressed optimism about his health and speed earlier this year, his future with the team remains uncertain, especially given his limited usage so far. Over his career, Ross has totaled 63 catches for 963 yards and 11 touchdowns in 38 games.
