Chargers sign former Bengals backup as Justin Herbert insurance

The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-5 going into Week 6 after suffering a 23-17 loss in Week 5 to the Denver Broncos. Things are just not clicking for quarterback Justin Herbert , as the offense has been putrid so far. On Tuesday, the organization found a new insurance plan behind Herbert by signing a former backup from the Cincinnati Bengals.

Reports indicate that the Chargers are officially signing Jake Browning , according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. It is currently unknown if Browning is signing with the active roster or practice squad, as that information will be revealed in due time.

"The Chargers are signing veteran QB Jake Browning, per source," Pelissero reported.

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Browning has appeared in 17 career games for the Bengals throughout his career, starting in 10 games. He stepped in for five contests last season while Joe Burrow was dealing with a turf toe injury that sidelined him for several weeks. The 30-year-old signal-caller joins the Chargers with 2,702 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions accumulated throughout his career, while owning a 68.5% completion percentage.

Jake Browning has not appeared in a single game yet in the 2026-27 campaign. Ideally, that remains the case now that he is in Los Angeles, as sticking with Justin Herbert is the ideal scenario for the Chargers. Even with the 28-year-old struggling so much this season.

Herbert is on pace for the worst year of his career. Through five games, he's only thrown for 937 yards and five touchdowns while leading the league with seven interceptions. His 59.4% completion percentage is by far the lowest it's ever been since he entered the NFL in 2020.

The two-time Pro Bowler will have a chance to get back on track in Week 6. However, that may be a difficult task, as the Chargers are set to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in their next game.