Perhaps some reinforcements are coming a bit earlier than expected for the Carolina Panthers.
The team announced on Tuesday that they have waived cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields. The 25-year-old defender was one of six waiver claims made by the Panthers prior to the start of the 2024 regular season—a haul that also included offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston, linebackers Jon Rhattigan and Jamie Sheriff and fellow corners Shemar Bartholomew and Keenan Isaac.
Castro-Fields has played a total of nine snaps for Carolina this season. All of those looks came on special teams between Weeks 1 and 2.
His departure may signal some good news for cornerback Dane Jackson, who started the season on injured reserve. Head coach Dave Canales mentioned Jackson as one of three players who are expected to return to practice this week.
“Yeah, expecting Dane, Jaden [Crumedy], Ian Thomas to get out there, be back on the practice field,” Canales said on Monday. “Get a new set of eyes on these guys. We talk about competition all the time, and I love what it brings to our group—just being able to get out there, play fast, guys who are excited to get back to football.
“But again—they gotta be out there, they gotta handle the load. Still, with all that timing, they haven’t been on the field with us running our plays and all that. So this is a great opportunity for those guys to get rolling and for us to get a look at them.”
Jackson, who was signed this past spring, entered the summer as the favorite for Carolina’s second starting cornerback role. That spot has since been taken over by Mike Jackson.
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