FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots did make one move prior to the close of the trade deadline.
They signed Brenden Rice, the son of Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, to the practice squad.
What appealed to Patriots coach Mike Vrabel in terms of signing the wide receiver?
“Good size,” Vrabel said of the 6-foot-3 receiver. “I think he’s shown the ability to learn quickly. I think that was something that’s important at this time of year, being able to get a guy in here that can help us in multiple spots if something happens.
“He’ll start on the practice squad where everybody has to prepare like a starter.”
In wake of Kayshon Boutte suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday’s win over the Atlanta Falcons, and the expectation of him missing time, the Patriots added more depth.
Rice joins receivers Jeremiah Webb and John Jiles on the practice squad. Along with Boutte, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III are currently on the active roster.
Rice, who finished his collegiate career with 21 total receiving touchdowns, was a standout at Colorado and USC.
He entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. The wideout appeared in three games that season as a rookie, playing three offensive snaps and 10 special teams snaps.
Rice spent this past offseason in Los Angeles, but was waived at the end of training camp.
The Patriots did have the son of the legendary receiver in for a tryout on Sept. 24, and liked him enough to add as a depth piece with Boutte injured.
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