Justin Herbert has struggled mightily to begin this season, but the Chargers added someone with whom he’s familiar as they go for their first win of the season.

Herbert’s brother, Patrick, will make his NFL debut on alongside his brother as Los Angeles travels to play the Buffalo Bills. The Chargers had two tight ends go down with injuries, forcing them to look for reinforcements for this game.

Los Angeles lost both of its first two games of the season by 12 points, with Justin Herbert and the offense sputtering out of the gate. The injuries won’t help, but the chemistry between the quarterback and new tight end is nice to have for a new addition.

Meet the Chargers newest tight end.

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Chargers activate Patrick Herbert

The Chargers are dealing with a slew of tight end injuries, as David Njoku and Charlie Kolar both out for Sunday’s game against Bills. Therefore, Los Angeles activated Patrick Herbert, who also happens to be Justin Herbert’s brother, for the game.

With multiple tight end injuries, the Chargers elevated Patrick Herbert — Justin’s brother — from the practice squad and he’s now set to make his NFL debut Sunday against Buffalo.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 26, 2026

Like Justin, Patrick Herbert played college football at Oregon, as the younger brother was a tight end for the Ducks from 2019 to 2024. Herbert went undrafted in the 2025 NFL draft and spent last season on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad.

At Oregon, Herbert appeared in 43 games and caught 31 passes for 388 yards and four touchdowns. He is more known for his blocking than receiving, though.

Herbert will slot behind Orande Gadsden and Hayden Rucci for the game, but he could have a chance to play depending on the game flow. Herbert has not played in an NFL game during his career, so this will be his league debut.