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Justin Herbert could pass to his brother as Chargers elevate tight end Patrick Herbert

PUBLISHED Sep 27, 2026, 5:41 AM ET

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Justin Herbert could pass to his brother as Chargers elevate tight end Patrick Herbert

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 30

Left 3%

Center 93%

Right 3%

Sources: 30

The Los Angeles Chargers have promoted tight end Patrick Herbert from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of their Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills. The roster transaction opens the possibility for quarterback Justin Herbert to complete a pass to his younger brother in an official NFL regular-season game. The Chargers adjusted their tight end depth chart following injuries, placing veteran David Njoku on injured reserve due to a knee and fibula injury, while ruling out Charlie Kolar with a forearm issue. Patrick Herbert, measuring 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, went undrafted in the 2025 NFL draft out of the University of Oregon, spending time on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad before joining the Chargers. The 0-2 Chargers seek their first win of the season against Buffalo at Highmark Stadium, where a connection between the brothers would mark a historic sibling milestone.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2025-04 — Patrick Herbert goes undrafted in the 2025 NFL draft out of the University of Oregon.
2026-08 — Patrick Herbert signs with the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad.
2026-09 — Tight ends David Njoku and Charlie Kolar sustain injuries ahead of Week 3.
On September 27 2026 Los Angeles Chargers elevate Patrick Herbert from the practice squad to the active roster.
2026-09 — Chargers play the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Week 3.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Boosts active roster depth for the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of their Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills; creates national media interest around a potential sibling passing combination in the NFL.
Possible long-term US impact: Evaluates Patrick Herbert's potential viability as a permanent fixture in the Chargers' offensive scheme beyond the current injury crisis.
Most affected groups: Los Angeles Chargers coaching staff, fantasy football analysts tracking tight end targets, NFL fans following family milestones.
Reader priority: High interest for NFL followers and Chargers supporters tracking team adjustments and roster developments.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 30
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 28
Distribution:: Left 3%, Center 93%, Right 3%

Explain Framing

Left: Sports media outlets adopting a narrative or human-interest framing focus heavily on the personal and familial bond between Justin and Patrick Herbert, highlighting the emotional milestone of brothers playing together professionally. Center: Mainstream objective sports reporting frames the story strictly around team needs, roster transactions, and depth chart changes caused by injuries to David Njoku and Charlie Kolar ahead of the Week 3 game against Buffalo. Right: Analytically or performance-oriented sports commentary frames the elevation through a competitive lens, examining player evaluation, roster management efficiency, and what Patrick Herbert must prove on the field to stick in the NFL.