Chargers add Patrick Herbert to practice squad, reuniting with brother Justin
Tight end Patrick Herbert has agreed to join the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad after clearing waivers, according to a league source. The 25-year-old, who was waived by Jacksonville on Sunday, will now share a locker room with his older brother Justin for the first time since their brief overlap at Oregon in 2019. Patrick, who went undrafted in 2025, faces stiff competition for a roster spot behind five other tight ends on the Chargers' depth chart.
Patrick Herbert’s path to the Chargers’ practice squad follows a brief NFL stint with Jacksonville, where he signed in January after going undrafted in 2025. His college career at Oregon spanned 43 games, with a junior-year peak of 15 receptions for 196 yards and three touchdowns. The reunion with Justin marks their first time on the same roster since 2019, when Patrick appeared in just two games as a freshman while Justin led the Ducks to a 12-2 record.
The Chargers’ tight end room is crowded, with starter Charlie Kolar and four reserves ahead of Patrick. His practice-squad role offers no immediate path to game action, but the familiarity with his brother’s offensive system—Justin has been the starter since 2020—could aid his development. The team’s decision to add him suggests a low-risk move to bolster depth while honoring a family connection.
This signing may resonate beyond the roster, as it highlights how practice squads serve as a bridge for undrafted players seeking NFL footholds. For the Chargers, the move could strengthen team chemistry, given Justin’s leadership role, but it also risks perception of nepotism if Patrick underperforms. Fans and analysts may watch whether the reunion translates to on-field production, though his immediate impact is likely minimal. The broader effect on the league is negligible, but it underscores the personal narratives that humanize roster decisions.