The Patriots signed huge receiver Brenden Rice, the son of Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame huge receiver Jerry Rice, to their observe squad Tuesday.
Rice, 23, was chosen by the Chargers within the seventh spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft out of USC. He was waived by the Chargers in late August throughout roster cuts and has been a free agent since.
In a corresponding transfer, the Patriots launched working again Jonathan Ward, who signed final week, from the observe squad.
The transfer comes after Patriots huge receiver Kayshon Boute suffered a hamstring harm in Sunday’s win over the Falcons. Head coach Mike Vrabel described Boutte as being “day-to-day” on Monday.
Rice performed in three video games final season with the Chargers however didn’t register any offensive stats. In 4 faculty seasons with USC and Colorado, he caught 111 passes for 1,821 yards with 21 touchdowns. His finest season got here as a senior with the Trojans when he caught 45 passes for 721 yards with 12 touchdowns. He additionally returned 22 kicks for 555 yards and one 81-yard punt return landing in faculty.
