Tariq Castro-Fields, a former defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders, has joined the Philadelphia Eagles’ 16-man practice squad. In another roster change, the Eagles added wide receiver John Ross to the Practice Squad Injured List. On October 21, Philadelphia made the announcement. Castro-Fields joins Philadelphia’s practice squad as the third recent former 49ers draft selection. Currently on the Eagles’ PS are former wide receiver Danny Grey and former Niners running back Tyrion Davis-Price.
It remains to be seen whether Castro-Fields will see the field for the Eagles this season, but considering his experience, it’s certainly a possibility.
Following a stellar collegiate career at Penn State, Castro-Fields was first selected by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft. After a few months, the 49ers waived him, and he was later selected by the Commanders, where he played in 2022 and 2023. Castro-Fields made ten appearances over those seasons.
After joining the Carolina Panthers in 2024, he played in just two games this season (on special teams) before being cut on October 1. With the Eagles, he will now have a fresh opportunity. Castro-Fields has spent the most of his time on special teams and has played 27 defensive snaps in his three seasons in the league. He ought to play a comparable role for the Eagles.
Castro-Fields’ professional career has been characterised by ups and downs, but he possesses the physical attributes—he is 200 pounds and 6 feet 1 inch—and athleticism (he performed an official 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds) to become a reliable player given the correct circumstances.
After breaking the NFL Combine record for the quickest 40-yard sprint with a speed of 4.22 seconds, Ross, who was selected ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL draft, attracted a lot of attention. In spite of this, his career has fallen short of what is often expected of a top-10 pick. Prior to being sidelined by an injury in 2019, he had a stellar start to the season, amassing 506 receiving yards and three touchdowns in just eight games. The Bengals rejected his fifth-year option because of his persistent health problems and patchy play throughout his career.
He was out of the league during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
As of 2024, Ross has been with Philly, but his impact has been minimal. He has a lone reception for 6 yards. After the Eagles signed him last spring, Ross said he was feeling better than ever.
He stated in May, via NBC Sports Philadelphia, “I just feel better so I think I can consistently be faster and I think that was my biggest thing.” “Is it possible for this man to appear the same every day? Additionally, I believe I’m approaching the stage where I can maintain consistency in my speed. And that seems like the most important thing to me.
Over the course of his career, Ross has totaled 63 receptions for 963 yards and 11 touchdowns in 38 games. It remains to be seen whether the Eagles will activate him again this season, considering how little he has been used thus far.
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