The Detroit Lions continue reshaping their roster as injuries pile up, and on Monday they may have landed an unexpected boost. After the Miami Dolphins waived tight end Hayden Rucci, the Lions quickly claimed the young TE off waivers, adding much-needed depth to a position devastated by injuries.

Rucci fills the roster spot opened when Terrion Arnold was placed on injured reserve following season-ending shoulder surgery. While losing Arnold is a major setback for Detroit’s defense, bringing in Rucci provides immediate help for an offense stretched thin.

Detroit’s Tight End Room Was Desperate for Reinforcements

The Lions didn’t target Hayden Rucci just for depth — they needed him for survival.

Sam LaPorta is expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing back surgery.

Brock Wright continues to recover from a serious trachea injury that head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged “could be a long-term deal.”

With the Lions entering a crucial stretch of their playoff push, the team was running out of healthy tight ends. Rucci now steps into a position group that urgently needed fresh bodies and potential upside.

Why the Lions See Upside in Hayden Rucci

Rucci, a former Wisconsin Badger, went undrafted in 2024 but spent parts of two seasons with the Dolphins. He made his NFL debut in late October and appeared in five games before being waived. His limited playing time doesn’t reflect his potential — and the Lions have a history of developing under-the-radar talent under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.

Claiming Rucci is a no-risk, high-value move for Detroit. With proper development and opportunity, he could become another surprising contributor for a franchise known for maximizing overlooked players.

Bottom Line

The Detroit Lions have been hit hard by injuries, but instead of collapsing, they are aggressively rebuilding their roster to stay competitive. Hayden Rucci may not have stuck in Miami, but Detroit has a proven track record of turning discarded players into real assets.

With their season hanging in the balance, the Lions hope Rucci becomes the newest example of a simple truth:
One team’s trash can become another team’s treasure — especially in Detroit.