With starter Kayshon Boutte working through a hamstring injury, the New England Patriots have added perimeter depth.
The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice visited Foxborough for a workout in September. He had remained a free agent since clearing waivers in August following the league’s 53-man roster deadline.
Rice, 23, was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft at No. 225 overall. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound “X” target appeared in three games during his rookie season. He saw a combined 13 snaps between offense and special teams.
A former transfer from Colorado, Rice finished his collegiate career at USC alongside quarterback Caleb Williams. He caught 84 passes for 1,402 yards and 16 touchdowns through 26 games with the Trojans, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors as a senior.
The Patriots carry six wide receivers on the active roster in Boutte, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III. In addition, wideouts John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb have resided on the practice squad dating back to its formation.
A corresponding move would be made elsewhere. To make room on the practice squad, running back Jonathan Ward has been released.
Ward, 28, signed with New England last week after logging previous stops with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020, the 5-foot-11, 202-pound Central Michigan product stands as a veteran of 46 games. His career includes 91 yards across 22 carries, 52 yards across six catches and one touchdown.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host head coach Mike Vrabel’s side for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.