The Patriots signed wide receiver Brenden Rice, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, to their practice squad Tuesday.

Rice, 23, was selected by the Chargers in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of USC. He was waived by the Chargers in late August during roster cuts and has been a free agent since.

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In a corresponding move, the Patriots released running back Jonathan Ward, who signed last week, from the practice squad.

The move comes after Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boute suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s win over the Falcons. Head coach Mike Vrabel described Boutte as being “day-to-day” on Monday.

Rice played in three games last season with the Chargers but didn’t register any offensive stats. In four college seasons with USC and Colorado, he caught 111 passes for 1,821 yards with 21 touchdowns. His best season came as a senior with the Trojans when he caught 45 passes for 721 yards with 12 touchdowns. He also returned 22 kicks for 555 yards and one 81-yard punt return touchdown in college.