Itâs an especially meaningful week for Jacksonville Jaguars rookie tight end Patrick Herbert, as he prepares to face his older brother, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
This game carries major significance for both teams and the playoff race. The Chargers (7-3) hold the top wild-card spot, while the Jaguars (5-3) currently sit in the No. 7 seed.
Patrick said he didnât think about the chance of playing against his brother when he joined the Jaguars. The Oregon product went undrafted this year after spending six seasons with the Ducks. He and Justin shared the field only once at Oregonâin 2019âbefore Justin headed to the NFL as the Chargersâ No. 6 pick in 2020. Patrick wrapped up his college career in 2024, starting six of Oregonâs 14 games that season.
The Jaguars brought him in as an undrafted free agent and kept him on the practice squad after August cuts, where heâs one of two tight ends with Jordan Akins.
Barring an unexpected move, Patrick wonât be on the active roster this week. If heâs in the building, itâll be as a fan watching his brother.
Patrick Herbert Talks Playing Brother Justin
But Sunday’s game in Jacksonville will be new territory for the Herberts.
“I don’t think we’ve ever played on opposite teams,” Patrick told reporters earlier this week. The tight end said there was some competition playing as kids in the backyard. “Maybe in like fifth grade, something like that,” he said. “Maybe like (recreation league) basketball. That might’ve been a little bit more recently.”
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Cameron Dantzler Sr. #47 of the Miami Dolphins tackles Patrick Herbert #47 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter of a NFL Preseason 2025 game between Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
“It’s awesome,” Patrick added. “I think we kind of take it for granted sometimes looking at him and being like, ‘oh, he’s been in the league for five or six years, whatever.’ And I think it’s a big accomplishment. That’s really cool.”
Patrick said heâs leaned on Justin whenever heâs needed guidance during his rookie season in the NFL.
“He’s there when I need it,” Patrick said. “If I have questions for him, he’s always there. But besides that, I think it’s kind of my journey.”
All is Not Lost for the Jaguars
If the Chargers beat the Jaguars, it could open the door for the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) to move into the final wild-card spot. The Baltimore Ravens (4-5) arenât far behind either; despite losing Lamar Jackson for a stretch earlier this season, theyâre starting to rebound, and the defense has shown improvement.
All wouldnât be lost for the Jaguars with a loss. Their next two games are on the road, but both come against teams with losing recordsâthe Arizona Cardinals (3-6) and the Tennessee Titans (1-8).
The recent addition of receiver Jakobi Meyers also comes at an ideal time, as the roster is dealing with injuries. Brian Thomas Jr. is nursing an ankle sprain and isnât guaranteed to play, while Parker Washington has a hamstring issue and was limited in practice. Both could still suit up against Los Angeles, but if they donât, Meyers would step in as the teamâs de facto WR1.
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