In a move that warms the hearts of football romantics and adds intriguing depth to the roster, the Los Angeles Chargers have signed tight end Patrick Herbert to their practice squad, as first reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk. This transaction, confirmed on Monday, August 31, 2026, sets the stage for a familial reunion on the practice field, as Patrick will now line up alongside his older brother, superstar quarterback Justin Herbert. The last time the siblings shared a huddle was in 2019 at the University of Oregon, when Justin was leading the Ducks to a memorable Rose Bowl victory.
A Long and Winding Road to the NFL
Patrick Herbert's journey to the Chargers has been anything but straightforward. The 25-year-old tight end was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, just one day before the Chargers swooped in to secure his services. Having signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2025, Patrick spent his entire rookie season on their practice squad and remained with the organization throughout the 2026 offseason. His brief stint in Jacksonville, while devoid of regular-season action, provided invaluable professional experience that he now brings to Los Angeles.
For the Herbert family, this reunion is a full-circle moment. The brothers were teammates at Oregon from 2019 to 2020, though Patrick's freshman season was limited to just two games as he redshirted. Over his six-year college career (2019-2024), Patrick developed into a reliable pass-catching tight end, amassing 31 receptions for 388 yards and four touchdowns. While those numbers may not leap off the page, his versatility and blocking acumen made him an attractive developmental prospect.
What This Means for the Chargers
From a strategic standpoint, the Chargers' decision to add Patrick Herbert is a low-risk, high-reward move. Practice squad players are often overlooked, but having a familiar target for Justin could prove beneficial in scout-team drills and emergency situations. The Chargers' tight end room, headlined by veteran Will Dissly and emerging talent Tucker Fisk, lacks proven depth behind the starters. Patrick's familiarity with Justin's playing style— honed during their time in Eugene—could accelerate his integration into the offensive system.
“This is a unique opportunity for both of them,” said a team insider speaking on condition of anonymity. “Patrick knows Justin’s tendencies better than almost anyone. Even if he never sees the field on Sundays, his value in practice cannot be overstated.”
For Justin Herbert, having his younger brother around the facility adds a personal touch to an already intense training camp. The Chargers are coming off a disappointing 2025 season that ended without a playoff berth, and the pressure is mounting on the franchise to deliver results. Justin, entering his seventh NFL season, remains one of the league's elite quarterbacks, but he needs reliable weapons and a cohesive locker room. The presence of family could provide an emotional boost during the grind of a long season.
A Storyline to Watch
As the Chargers prepare for their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 13, all eyes will be on how the Herbert brothers mesh in practice. While Patrick's path to active roster activation is uncertain, the Chargers have shown a willingness to promote from within. Should injuries strike the tight end position, Patrick could find himself elevated to the 53-man roster—a scenario that would mark the first time the brothers share an NFL field in a regular-season game.
The Vulius Sports team will be tracking this storyline closely, as it adds a compelling human element to the Chargers' quest for redemption. For now, Chargers fans can savor the thought of a Herbert-to-Herbert connection, even if it's only in practice. As the old adage goes, blood is thicker than water—and in the NFL, chemistry can be the difference between a good team and a great one.
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