FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced that they have signed WR Brenden Rice to the practice squad and released RB Jonathan Ward from the practice squad.
Rice, 23, was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fifth-round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Southern California. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder, saw action in three games as a rookie, primarily on special teams, before finishing the year on injured reserve. Rice was released by the Chargers on Aug. 26, 2025. He began his college career at Colorado (2020-21), spending two seasons at Southern California.
Ward, 28, was signed by New England to the practice squad on Oct. 28, 2025. The 5-foot-11, 202-pounder, has spent time in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. He originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with Arizona out of Central Michigan in 2020. After being released by Arizona during the 2022 season, he spent time with the New York Jets on the practice squad and also with the Tennessee Titans. Ward was with Pittsburgh in 2024 and spent part of training camp this past summer with the New York Giants. Overall, he has played in 47 games and has 22 rushing attempts for 91 yards and 6 receptions for 52 yards with 1 touchdown.
