Detroit Lions acquire new tight end and wide receiver for practice squad

The Detroit Lions are actively adjusting their roster due to a wave of injuries. On Monday, the team completed several roster moves, highlighted by claiming tight end Hayden Rucci off waivers from the Miami Dolphins, who released him on Saturday. Rucci fills the spot vacated when Terrion Arnold was placed on injured reserve following season-ending shoulder surgery.

Rucci, an undrafted free agent in 2024, spent the past season and a half moving between active and practice rosters with the Dolphins. He made his NFL debut in late October and has appeared in five games, contributing both on offense (39 snaps) and special teams (42 snaps). In college, Rucci was a two-year starter at Wisconsin, primarily recognized for his blocking. Over two seasons, he recorded 17 receptions for 200 yards and one touchdown, while earning a 64.4 passing-block grade and 66.3 rushing-block grade in his senior year according to PFF.

Rucci is the son of Todd Rucci, a former New England Patriots guard who played eight seasons in the 1990s. With starting tight end Sam LaPorta likely sidelined for the year due to back surgery and backup Brock Wright facing a trachea injury, Rucci may see playing time immediately. The team also welcomed back veteran Shane Zylstra to practice after a prolonged ankle injury in Week 2.

Additionally, the Lions made adjustments to their practice squad, signing wide receiver Andrew Armstrong and releasing veteran offensive lineman Netane Muti. Armstrong, a rookie, initially joined the Miami Dolphins but was waived before the regular season. He previously played at Arkansas with Lions third-round pick Isaac TeSlaa and led his college team last year with 78 receptions for 1,140 yards. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 202 pounds, Armstrong posted an 8.58 RAS, showing solid athletic potential despite differing from TeSlaas profile.

Here is a summary of Detroits recent roster changes:

• Claimed from waivers (added to 53-man roster): Hayden Rucci, TE
• Practice squad additions: Andrew Armstrong, WR
• Practice squad departures: Netane Muti, OL

Author: Sophia Brooks