Justin Herbert needs help. Though he has the Chargers in playoff contention at 8-4, his two best running backs are out for the year along with his two starting offensive tackles.
Yesterday Jim Harbaugh picked up former Denver Bronco and Oregon All-American Royce Freeman for the practice squad.
Though Freeman hasn't played since 2023 with the Rams, the 6-0, 238-pound running back is a reliable pass blocker and a good receiver out of the backfield. The Chargers are down to third team running back Kimani Vidal, who did have 126 yards in a 31-14 win over the Raiders Sunday, including a career-long 59-yard touchdown run.
A legend at Oregon, Freeman strives to hang on in the NFL
As a Duck, Freeman was one of the greatest running backs of all-time. In the pros, he's been a journeyman, but even practice squad players make around $20,000 per week.
In six NFL seasons the former five-star out of Imperial, California has rushed for 1,790 yards with 29 career touchdowns, just two fumbles over 467 carries. With Najee Harris and Omari Hampton on injured reserve, the veteran is valuable insurance for a team with playoffs hopes, though that title chase suffered two major complications Sunday.
Justin Herbert broke his left (nonthrowing) hand in the game and is day-to-day after having surgery on Monday. Also, pop star girlfriend Madison Beer brought her mother to the win over Las Vegas.
It was mom's birthday. Things appear to be getting serious.
Madison Beer celebrates mom’s birthday at Justin Herbert’s Chargers game as relationship heats up https://t.co/lngNRpV6JF pic.twitter.com/MRaceFuPJ9
— New York Post (@nypost) December 1, 2025