FOXBORO — The Patriots didn’t make any trades on Wednesday, but they did add a player with a famous surname.
The Patriots signed wide receiver Brenden Rice, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, to their practice squad Wednesday.
Head coach Mike Vrabel was asked Wednesday what the team saw in him before making the addition.
“Good size,” Vrabel said. “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, start on a practice squad, and then everybody has to prepare like a starter.”
Rice, a 2024 seventh-round pick out of USC, didn’t record any receiving stats in three games last season with the Chargers. He’s been out of the league since being waived in August.
The Patriots now have three wide receivers on their practice squad in Rice, John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb. They’ll serve as depth behind Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism. Boutte is currently dealing with a hamstring injury.
