The Dolphins filled their open roster spot on Saturday by promoting tight end Hayden Rucci from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Rucci essentially flipped positions with tight end Tanner Conner, who was cut from the 53-man roster and re-signed to the practice squad.
Rucci, who signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted rookie free agent in April 2024, impressed the Dolphins in 15 offensive snaps over the past two games. With Julian Hill questionable with an ankle injury and Darren Waller on injured reserve with a pectoral injury, Rucci joins Greg Dulcich as the only healthy tight ends on the 53-man roster.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins elevated linebacker Quinton Bell and cornerback Isaiah Johnson from the practice squad; both are eligible to play in Sunday’s home game against Buffalo (1 p.m., CBS 4). This is the third elevation for each player, the maximum permitted in one season.
Receiver Dee Eskridge (shoulder) and linebacker Chop Robinson (concussion) are out Sunday, and cornerback Rasul Douglas is doubtful with foot and ankle injuries.
Four other players — running back Ollie Gordon II, tight end Hill, as well as safeties Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu — were listed as questionable for the game.
Hill has missed the past two games with an ankle injury and was limited in practice all week. Gordon, who left the Baltimore game with a second-quarter ankle injury, said he plans to play on Sunday.
If Davis (quadriceps) and Melifonwu (thumb) cannot play on Sunday, then the Dolphins would have only three healthy safeties available: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Elijah Campbell and rookie Dante Trader Jr.
Trade report
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that before last Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, “sources say the Dolphins received significant interest in running back De’Von Achane. It seems the speedy 24-year-old generated as many phone calls as anyone, with Miami [setting] a second-round pick and more as the price.
“That never came, thanks in part to Achane being in a contract year and due for a significant pay day. But there was plenty of intrigue for Achane. Meanwhile, the Dolphins held firm on wanting a first-rounder and maybe more for Waddle and despite calls from teams such as the Steelers and Broncos, he stayed in Miami.”
Achane is due $1.2 million next season in the final year of his rookie contract. He can become an unrestricted free agent in March 2027.
Veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb said interim general manager Champ Kelly kept him and his agent Erik Burkhardt updated in the days before the trade deadline.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said Friday that he never received a call from Kelly, suggesting no trade was close for the veteran safety.