By Moses Joshua 
Detroit Makes Strategic Roster Moves Amid Injury Crisis
The Detroit Lions are continuing their roster shuffle to navigate a mounting injury situation, this time adding depth to the tight end and wide receiver positions.
Hayden Rucci Joins the Lions’ Tight End Room
Detroit claimed tight end Hayden Rucci off waivers from the Miami Dolphins, filling a critical gap created by Terrion Arnold’s season-ending shoulder surgery. Rucci, who went undrafted in 2024, has been on and off the Dolphins’ roster over the past season-and-a-half and made his NFL debut in late October.
So far this season, Rucci has appeared in five games, splitting time between offensive snaps (39) and special teams (42). While not a prolific receiver in college at Wisconsin, where he totaled 17 catches for 200 yards and one touchdown over two seasons, Rucci earned strong blocking grades in his senior year, including a 64.4 rating in the passing game and 66.3 in the running game, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Lions’ tight end room has been decimated by injuries, with Sam LaPorta expected to miss the season due to back surgery and Brock Wright dealing with a trachea injury. With veteran Shane Zylstra returning to practice this week after a long-term ankle injury, Rucci could see immediate playing time.
Practice Squad Shuffle: Andrew Armstrong Added
Detroit also made a key move on the practice squad, signing wide receiver Andrew Armstrong and releasing veteran offensive lineman Netane Muti. Armstrong, who went undrafted in 2025, previously spent time with the Miami Dolphins and was a standout teammate of Lions third-round pick Isaac TeSlaa at Arkansas. Last year at Arkansas, Armstrong led the team with 78 receptions for 1,140 yards.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 202 pounds, Armstrong brings a solid physical profile and athleticism, posting an 8.58 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). While he may not match TeSlaa’s on-field explosiveness, he provides a capable option for the Lions as they navigate a thin receiving corps.
Full Transaction Recap
Claimed from waivers (added to 53-man roster):
- TE Hayden Rucci
Placed on IR:
- CB Terrion Arnold
Signed to practice squad:
- RB Jabari Small
- TE Giovanni Rucci
- WR Andrew Armstrong
Cut from practice squad:
- OL Netane Muti
- CB Tre Flowers
The Lions’ recent moves show a clear focus on shoring up their offense amid ongoing injuries, giving themselves as much depth as possible ahead of crucial games down the stretch. With Rucci potentially contributing immediately and Armstrong bolstering the wide receiver depth, Detroit hopes these additions can keep the offense competitive as the playoff push intensifies.