The Patriots brought back a familiar face Tuesday.

Veteran running back Jonathan Ward was re-signed to the Patriots practice squad. In a corresponding move, the Patriots released Brenden Rice.

Ward was released from the Patriots’ practice squad last week. With all three running backs on the Patriots’ 53-man roster currently dealing with injuries, there was a need at the position.

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Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) has now missed two straight games. Terrell Jennings (knee) left Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers and didn’t return to the game. TreVeyon Henderson (knee) was also listed on Monday’s injury report. All three players were “limited” in Monday’s walk-through.

The Patriots now have three running backs on their practice squad in Ward, D’Ernest Johnson and Rushawn Baker. Johnson has been elevated from the practice squad for the Patriots’ last two games. He carried the ball once for 1 yard in Sunday’s win.

Henderson had a breakout performance in the contest, rushing 14 times for 147 yards with two long touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards.

Rice, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, signed to the practice squad last week when Ward was released.