Report: Chargers add Jake Browning while Trey Lance is on injured reserve

The Chargers are signing veteran quarterback Jake Browning, Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday, adding an experienced passer while Trey Lance is on injured reserve with a groin injury. The report gives Los Angeles another option behind Justin Herbert, though the team has not announced Browning’s roster assignment.

Pelissero’s original report identifies the move as a signing. It does not state whether Browning will join the 53-player roster or the practice squad. That distinction matters: an agreement with a quarterback does not by itself establish his place on the game-day depth chart.

Lance’s absence is confirmed by the Chargers. In their official Week 5 inactive report, published Sunday, Los Angeles said he had been placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. Browning’s reported arrival follows that loss of available quarterback depth.

There is no indication in the signing report that Herbert is being replaced as the starter. Browning’s arrival should be understood as a personnel addition while the Chargers manage an injury in the quarterback room, with any specific role awaiting confirmation.

Browning was available after Tampa Bay released him during its final roster cuts in August. The Buccaneers’ official announcement listed him among the vested veterans whose contracts were terminated, making him a free agent rather than a player subject to waivers.

Tampa Bay had signed him in March after his time with Cincinnati. The Buccaneers’ signing announcement described his extended work in place of Joe Burrow late in the 2023 season, when he started the Bengals’ final seven games. That experience gives the reported addition a different background from a quarterback who has only worked on a practice squad.

Sources

Lance on injured reserve · Browning released in August · Buccaneers describe Browning’s starting experience