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Justin Herbert and Patrick Herbert’s Unexpected Football Connection Revealed
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- Justin Herbert and Patrick Herbert’s Unexpected Football Connection Revealed
Patrick Herbert spent years building his own football career away from his famous brother Justin Herbert . He went undrafted, worked through practice squad rosters, and kept fighting for his opportunity. That relentless grind reached a defining moment when Los Angeles promoted the tight end to the active roster.
The move sets up a rare family reunion on an NFL field, seven years after the duo last shared a sideline at Oregon. Whether quarterback Justin Herbert finally gets a chance to target his younger brother remains the ultimate storyline.
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Herbert brothers chase rare NFL milestone
Los Angeles elevated Patrick Herbert from the practice squad Saturday, clearing him for his NFL debut Sunday in Buffalo. Injuries created the opening after David Njoku (fibula) landed on injured reserve and Charlie Kolar (forearm) was ruled out.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported the move on game day. "Chargers TE Patrick Herbert, elevated off the practice squad Saturday, will make his NFL debut today in Buffalo, also marking the first time that he and his older brother Justin Herbert play together in an NFL game," Schefter wrote . "The brothers played together at Oregon in 2019."
Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws against the Denver Broncos during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
A touchdown between the brothers would end a drought that spans nearly a century. Red Grange threw the last one to Gardie Grange on Oct. 27, 1929.
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The brothers last shared a roster at Oregon in 2019, when Justin led the Ducks to a 12-2 record. Patrick appeared in only two games as a freshman, and Justin never threw him a pass.
Justin Herbert, the sixth overall pick in 2020, has anchored the Chargers at quarterback ever since. Los Angeles enters Sunday at 0-2 after losing to Arizona and Las Vegas by identical 26-14 scores.
How Patrick Herbert earned his roster spot with the Chargers
Patrick's road to Sunday started at Oregon, where he caught 31 passes for 388 yards and four touchdowns. He went undrafted in 2025 and spent his rookie year on Jacksonville 's practice squad without a game. The Chargers signed him to their practice squad in late August. Saturday's promotion drew immediate reaction online, with some fans calling it nepotism .
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With only one healthy tight end midweek, Los Angeles turned to Patrick to bolster the depth chart. Patrick now sits third on the depth chart behind Oronde Gadsden and Hayden Rucci , likely serving as a blocking tight end. Justin told reporters before the trip that the offense was close on several plays.
Njoku must miss at least four games, so the tight end room stays thin beyond Sunday. Buffalo enters Week 3 at 2-0 behind Josh Allen and can push the Chargers to 0-3. Patrick must still earn his snaps, and Sunday offers his first NFL chance to do it.
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The post Justin Herbert and Patrick Herbert's Unexpected Football Connection Revealed appeared first on Gridiron Heroics .
