The Miami Dolphins have announced that they have re-signed Hayden Rucci to the practice squad. He had been waived by the team prior to their Week 13 matchup against the Saints. Following Miami waiving him, he was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions. After a week with the team, the Lions announced they had waived the 24-year-old tight end. He didn’t participate in any games for Detroit this season.
He was then claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions. However, on December 11 the Lions announced they had waived the 24-year-old tight end. Now, the Dolphins have announced that they have signed Rucci to the practice squad.
The tight end has played in four games for the Dolphins this year, including playing a season-high 33 snaps in Miami’s upset win over the Buffalo Bills.
Miami Dolphins Tight End Room
GettyDarren Waller
In his four games, Hayden Rucci has yet to record a catch. This isn’t an indictment on his level of play. His primary use in McDaniel’s offense has been as a blocker. However, the team had to make room for Darren Waller and Austin Jackson, who returned from injured reserve prior to the Saints game.
Hayden Rucci reacted to the news of his return to Miami by posting a gif referencing the popular HBO show The Sopranos on X. Many Dolphins fans seemed to enjoy the post as he has become somewhat of a fan favorite as an underrated blocker who does the dirty work.
The Miami Dolphins tight end room has been all over the place this year. They have gotten contributions from several members, including Rucci. Darren Waller is the team leader among tight ends in receiving yards and touchdowns, despite having played in only six games. Greg Dulcich has been a positive surprise for the offense as he’s averaging a solid 25 yards per game in six games.
Tanner Conner, who has been with the Dolphins since 2022, was waived during the year, but was also brought back to the practice squad. Julian Hill has been the tight end who has played in the most games as he’s appeared in 10 games, nine of which he has started. He’s got 91 receiving yards on the season, but similarly to Rucci, his primary use in the offense is as a blocker.
Despite no one being a standout, the position has not been a weakness for Miami, especially as of late. They’ve decided against using two tight ends, in favor of six offensive linemen, which has boosted the team’s running attack.
Looking Ahead to Monday Night Football
GettyTua Tagovailoa vs Steelers
On Monday, the Miami Dolphins have a chance to reach .500 for the first time this season. Whether or not Hayden Rucci will be a part of the active roster is yet to be determined, but that would likely mean one of the top three Dolphins tight ends being out.
The Dolphins will try to keep their potent running game going against the Steelers 21st-ranked rushing defense. Everything indicates that they will continue using the package that uses guard Daniel Brunskill as the team’s backup tight end. Regarding Brunskill, McDaniel said, “He’s a unique individual. You come across a lot of athletes over the years, and he stands out for the incredible preparations he’s always had.”
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