The Los Angeles Chargers have officially signed tight end Patrick Herbert, the younger brother of quarterback Justin Herbert, to their practice squad. Patrick was previously waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars during roster cuts and had several options before deciding to join his brother in Los Angeles.
While the prospect of seeing the Herbert brothers on the field together is intriguing, it is unlikely to happen soon. Patrick is not being brought in as an immediate replacement for any active roster players, as the Chargers have tight ends David Njoku, Charlie Kolar, and Oronde Gadsden II ahead of him. Patrick will need to work hard to earn playing time.
Despite not being a dynamic receiving threat, Patrick Herbert has a skill set that aligns with the Chargers' needs. He is primarily viewed as a blocking tight end, which could provide the team with additional depth as they develop their offense. Last season, he spent time on Jacksonville's practice squad and recorded two catches for 12 yards during the preseason.
Patrick's college career at Oregon saw him finish with 31 receptions for 388 yards and four touchdowns over 43 games. Although these statistics may not stand out, his size and blocking capability present an opportunity for him to establish a role on the team if he continues to develop.
Having spent years around Justin, Patrick is familiar with how his brother operates on the field. However, the Chargers are expected to evaluate Patrick based on his performance rather than his family connection. For now, the signing marks a notable moment for the Herbert family, but Patrick will need to prove himself to earn a spot in the game.
