The Chargers are bringing back a familiar face, re-signing running back Jaret Patterson to their practice squad-a move that adds both depth and experience to the backfield as the season winds down.
Patterson, 25, is no stranger to the grind. A standout at the University at Buffalo, he made national noise as a three-year starter, earning MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors and a First Team All-MAC nod in 2020. His college résumé was packed with production, and while he didn’t hear his name called on draft night in 2021, he quickly landed with Washington as an undrafted free agent.
Since then, Patterson’s journey has been the kind of NFL story that doesn’t make headlines but earns respect in locker rooms. He’s bounced between active rosters and practice squads, carving out opportunities whenever they’ve come.
After spending parts of last season with both the Chargers and Commanders, he returned to Los Angeles on a futures deal, only to be waived after the preseason. Still, the Chargers clearly saw enough to keep the door open-this latest signing marks his second stint on their practice squad this year.
In limited action during the 2025 season, Patterson has made the most of his chances. He’s appeared in four games, logging 32 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown. That kind of production, especially from a player moving between the practice squad and active roster, is exactly what teams hope for in a depth piece-reliable, efficient, and ready when called upon.
With injuries and roster shuffling always a factor late in the season, Patterson’s return gives the Chargers another option in the backfield, especially as they look to manage workloads and keep their offense balanced.
Here’s how the Chargers’ practice squad now shapes up with Patterson back in the fold:
- DL TeRah Edwards
- WR JaQuae Jackson
- LB Emany Johnson
- EDGE Garmon Randolph
- OL Branson Taylor
- QB DJ Uiagalelei
- TE Thomas Yassmin (International)
- RB Amar Johnson
- DB Isas Waxter
- C Sam Mustipher
- WR Dalevon Campbell
- RB Trayveon Williams
- DB Marcus Williams
- RB Royce Freeman
- C Josh Kaltenberger
- OT Foster Sarell
- RB Jaret Patterson
It’s a deep, versatile group, and Patterson’s presence adds another layer of insurance for a team looking to stay sharp and flexible down the stretch. For now, he’ll continue to grind on the practice field, waiting for the next opportunity to make an impact on Sundays-something he’s proven more than capable of doing.