Jan. 17, 2026, 5:31 a.m. ET
The San Francisco 49ers shocked the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC wild-card round last weekend, despite being without numerous starters on both sides of the ball. This week, the 49ers continued their roster shuffling, adding two players to the practice squad, including a former Washington Commanders‘ draft pick and starter.
San Francisco signed safety Darrick Forrest to the practice squad ahead of Saturday’s NFC divisional round game against the Seattle Seahawks. Forrest was a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with Washington, appearing in 40 games, making 17 starts and recording 137 tackles, nine passes defenses, four interceptions and two forced fumbles.
The 26-year-old Forrest was signed by the Buffalo Bills in 2025, but was waived during final cuts. This season, Forrest has spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squads, but has not appeared in a game.
Two of Forrest’s four seasons in Washington were marred by injuries. In 2022, Forrest started at safety and looked like a cornerstone piece for years to come, starting 11 games and leading the team with four interceptions. Unfortunately, he played in only five games in 2023, and Washington’s coaching staff was fired. When Dan Quinn took over in 2024, Forrest played mostly on special teams.
The 49ers could elevate Forrest if needed for Saturday’s game against the Seahawks.
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