Former Wisconsin tight end Hayden Rucci is making a late push to make the Miami Dolphins 53-man roster.
The former Badger led the Dolphins in receiving with five catches for 44 yards and a touchdown in the team’s NFL Preseason Week 3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Related: Every former Wisconsin Badger currently on an NFL roster entering 2024 training camp
The loss Friday was Rucci’s final big chance to leave an impression on the Dolphins coaching staff before the roster is finalized this week. He will finish the preseason period with five total catches on six targets, 57 yards and a touchdown.
Here’s the main highlight from Rucci’s big night. He split the Buccaneers’ defense before Skylar Thompson hit him in stride for a 20-yard score.
Hayden Rucci for 6.#Badgers pic.twitter.com/cmYq702Y79
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) August 24, 2024
Rucci was signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 NFL draft. He played for five seasons at Wisconsin (2019-23), two as the primary starter.
His best collegiate season came in 2023. While his fit as a blocking tight end did not directly fit Phil Longo’s air raid offense, Rucci caught 11 passes for 125 total yards — leading the tight end room.
The former Badger will now await the Dolphins’ roster decision. He is currently listed as the fifth-string tight end, though may rise after this performance. A spot on the practice squad is likely if the roster cutdown is missed.
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