Chargers Sign Quarterback Amid Injuries, Terrible Start

The Los Angeles Chargers bolstered their practice squad with the addition of former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning on Wednesday. Browning, 30, joined the team after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2026 season. Browning made 17 appearances for the Bengals from 2023 to 2025, spending time with the Minnesota Vikings prior to his tenure with the Bengals and signing with the Buccaneers in March before being released ahead of the 2026 season.

Browning, drafted undrafted in 2019, spent his first two seasons with the Vikings on the practice squad, only to be waived during the final roster cuts in 2021. He signed with the Bengals the following year and served as a backup for two more seasons before finally getting his chance in 2023. During that season, Browning completed 70.4% of his passes across nine games, leading the NFL with that figure. He threw for 12 touchdowns and 1,936 yards with seven interceptions.

The Chargers' signing of Browning comes amidst a string of injuries and a poor start to the 2026 season. Quarterback Trey Lance suffered a groin injury on October 10, placing him on injured reserve and thinning the team's quarterback depth. Before Browning, DJ Uiagaleilei had taken over as the primary backup but had yet to appear in an NFL game.

With this acquisition, the Chargers seem to be looking to add some experience to their quarterback room, as DJ Uiagaleilei has never played in an NFL game. Furthermore, the Chargers are currently last in the AFC West with a 0-5 record and have the third fewest points per game in the NFL.

While it's unlikely that Browning will challenge the starting quarterback Justin Herbert for his job, having him as a reliable offensive floor could prove beneficial for the Chargers. They are set to face the 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs in their next game on Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT, adding to the pressure they are currently facing.