Boyd, who was a second-half substitute in Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Watford, replaces Scott McDonald, who is unavailable because of illness.
Boyd will partner Leroy Lita in attack as Boro revert to an orthodox 4-4-2 formation at Pride Park.
Nicky Bailey replaces Andy Halliday in midfield - a move that should see Barry Robson switch to the left - while Tony McMahon is preferred to Matthew Bates at right-back.
DERBY (4-1-4-1): Bywater; Green, Brayford, Barker, Moxey; Savage; Cywka, Bailey, Bueno, Commons; Kuqi.
Subs: Deeney (gk), Pearson, Pringle, Doyle, O'Brien, Moore, Noble.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Steele; McMahon, Wheater, McManus, Arca; O'Neil, Bailey, Tavares, Robson; Lita, Boyd.
Subs: Coyne (gk), Bates, Bennett, Kink, Halliday, L Williams, Miller.
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo