On Sunday, Justin Herbert won’t be the only one from his family suit up for the Chargers.
It was announced on Saturday that Patrick, Justin’s younger brother, has been promoted from the practice squad and will be making his NFL debut against the Bills.
This news follows a troubling series of injuries among the Chargers’ tight ends. David Njoku was put on injured reserve due to a fibula injury, and Charlie Kolar, who had initially seemed likely to go on IR with a left forearm injury sustained last weekend, ultimately avoided that fate.
However, Kolar won’t be active this weekend. Just a few days ago, Oronde Gadsden II was the only fit tight end for the Chargers, but the team signed Hayden Rucci off the Jaguars’ practice squad on Tuesday. With Patrick’s elevation, the Chargers will have three active tight ends when facing the Bills.
Earlier this month, Patrick Herbert joined the Chargers’ practice squad after spending the preseason with the Jaguars. He was with Jacksonville last year but didn’t see game action during his rookie season.
Interestingly, both brothers played at the University of Oregon, sharing the field in the 2019 season. While Justin demonstrated standout skills as a quarterback, Patrick, as a true freshman, barely had any playing time.
Remarkably, Justin never managed to complete a pass to Patrick during their college days, so if they connect in Sunday’s game, it would mark the first time since high school that they’ve done so.
That could create a special moment for the family. However, the 0-2 Chargers really need to focus on securing a win rather than orchestrating a brotherly connection on the field.
