Jaret Patterson: Everything you need to know

The Chargers assigned Patterson a one-year exclusive rights free-agent tender Friday. Patterson signed to the Chargers' practice squad in mid-October before joining the active roster in late November due to an ankle injury to Omarion Hampton. Patterson tallied eight or more carries in four of six regular-season games and finished with 41 carries for 159 yards and one touchdown along with three catches (on four targets) for eight yards. The Buffalo product will compete for a spot on the Chargers' 53-man roster for the 2026 season.

Patterson played five snaps on special teams during Sunday's 16-3 wild-card loss to the Patriots, gaining 28 yards on his only kick return. Patterson did not log any offensive snaps despite Omarion Hampton being limited to just one carry versus New England. Injuries to Los Angeles' top backfield options early in the year paved the way for Patterson to handle a combined 41 rush attempts across his six regular-season appearances, totaling 159 rushing yards and one touchdown. He also secured three of four targets for eight yards. Patterson will be a restricted free agent this offseason.

Patterson rushed eight times for 29 yards while adding three receptions on four targets for eight yards in Sunday's 19-3 loss to Denver. Patterson was able to re-emerge in Week 18 with starter Omarion Hampton sitting out the season finale along with several other key players. The 25-year-old Patterson led the Chargers' backfield in touches, although it was QB Trey Lance who led the team in rushing (9-69-0) Sunday. Hampton will be available for the wild-card round of the playoffs, so Patterson can safely be ignored against the Patriots next Sunday.