On Monday, the Detroit Lions claimed former Miami Dolphins tight end Hayden Rucci. Rucci was waived by Miami on Saturday alongside offensive lineman Kion Smith to make room for the returns of tight end Darren Waller and starting right tackle Austin Jackson.
There were some rumblings about the Dolphins desire to return Rucci to the team’s practice squad once he cleared waivers, but Monday’s claim by the Lions will thwart that rumored plan.
Rucci was in his second season with the Dolphins after being signed by the club after going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former four-year Wisconsin Badger did not see action for Miami in 2024, but played in four games for the Dolphins this season, totaling 39 snaps. He did not record a catch during his time with the club.
Rucci now joins a Lions team that needs tight end help, especially since the team placed starting tight end Sam LaPorta on injured reserve ahead of their week twelve contest. He has missed two games, but must miss an additional two games before he is eligible to return.
Now that re-signing Rucci is no longer an option for the Dolphins, expect them to take a look at potential practice squad replacements in the coming days if they are still interested in tight ends fits.
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