With important players coming back on offense for the Miami Dolphins, they made a roster gamble that they hope does not come back to bite them in the end.
Roster Gamble as Injuries Clear Up
Hayden Rucci, son of the New England Patriots former O-lineman Todd Rucci, was waived the day before Miami’s Week 13 game against the Saints in order to make way for the imminent returns of both Darren Waller and Austin Jackson from the IR. Having spent most of his Dolphins career sitting on the bench after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin, the Dolphins had a chance to reclaim him. However, just yesterday, the Lions decided to pick him up.
Interestingly enough, Rucci had never caught a pass in the four games he started in his career. and yet, he became a vital asset to the Dolphins’ blocking schemes. He had played 81 snaps over those four games, 39 coming on offense and 42 on special teams, showcasing a potential hidden versatility to his game. All of this thought could be justified by the fact that Miami is expecting a lot of playrs back, including preferred tight end Darren Waller and O-lineman Austin Jackson, who they probably expect to add more upside to the offense. Still, it’s important to note Rucci’s talent as someone with a physical profile who help aid the Dolphins in an important time. He was one of the many reasons the Dolphins had an exceptional month of November to give themselves a fighting chance at a playoff spot. Now, he is a Detroit Lion.
A New Opportunity in Detroit
His audition with the Lions could go well however, as the Lions don’t ask a lot out of the tight ends in their scheme and play them with a more traditional style. He may not be blocking as much as usual, but different sides of his game could emerge. More importantly, he is now on a contending team that would appreciate someone who can chip in like him down the stretch and potentially aid an already expansive offensive scheme. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have to hope that what they bring back can get the job done down the stretch. Waller certainly profiles as more of an in-line tight end with a solid catch radius so he brings a unique skill set to the offense that perhaps Rucci simply doesn’t have. Still, in Waller’s absence, the Dolphins seemingly shifted to a more run-heavy approach that allowed for Rucci to have an important role defined within the squad. Needless to say, while Dolphins fans didn’t get a true chance to appreciate Rucci, it was a highly likely move that the Dolphins felt they simply had to make. Now, they just have to wait and see what Waller can bring to the offense, and if he can offset what Rucci was able to open up with his blocking skills. This decision may not look important now, but it could define the rest of the Dolphins season for better or worse.
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