Chargers Add Herbert's Brother, Former First-Round Corner to Practice Squad
The Los Angeles Chargers finalized their 53-man roster and practice squad, then made additional moves by signing tight end Patrick Herbert, the younger brother of quarterback Justin Herbert, to fill the final practice squad spot. The team also officially added former first-round cornerback Kaiir Elam, wide receiver Theo Wease, and defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson to the practice squad, while releasing three players. These moves reflect general manager Joe Hortiz's ongoing activity at the bottom of the roster.
The Chargers' practice squad moves show a clear pattern of targeting players with either family ties or untapped potential. Patrick Herbert, who played collegiately at Oregon, spent time working with his brother Justin during offseason workouts to refine footwork, and he projects as a blocking specialist in a tight end room already stocked with receiving options. Kaiir Elam, selected 23rd overall by Buffalo in 2022, struggled to meet first-round expectations but now gets a reset under defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale, who has a track record of revitalizing defensive backs.
Theo Wease Jr. brings recent NFL game experience after appearing in the Dolphins' final three games of 2025, while Jordan Jefferson reunites with former West Virginia teammate Akheem Mesidor, the Chargers' first-round pick. The corresponding releases of Waxter, Ross, and Carter indicate the team is prioritizing experience and positional versatility over developmental upside. A reported agreement with edge rusher Caleb Murphy suggests Hortiz may not be finished reshaping the practice squad.
These practice squad maneuvers may signal how the Chargers approach roster depth in an era where injuries frequently reshape playoff races. Fans and analysts could view the Herbert brother connection as a motivational boost for the franchise quarterback, while Elam's addition may offer a low-risk opportunity to develop a former high draft pick. The moves could also reflect a broader NFL trend of teams using practice squads as incubators for reclamation projects rather than merely developmental rookies.