IT’S A DONE DEAL! THE NFL WON’T SEE THIS COMING! 49ers Sign Tight End Amid George Kittle Injury

In a move that’s sure to catch the rest of the NFL off guard, the San Francisco 49ers have wasted no time bolstering their tight end position following a devastating injury to star player George Kittle. With the playoffs in full swing and the stakes higher than ever, the 49ers announced on Wednesday that they’ve signed undrafted free agent Hayden Rucci to their practice squad. This unexpected addition comes hot on the heels of Kittle’s season-ending Achilles injury, signaling San Francisco’s determination to keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive.

George Kittle, the heart and soul of the 49ers’ offense, went down during the Wild Card round clash against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The injury occurred in a pivotal moment, leaving fans and teammates reeling. Kittle, known for his grit, blocking prowess, and reliable hands, has been a cornerstone for the team since being drafted in 2017. His absence creates a massive void at tight end, prompting the 49ers to act swiftly.

To fill the immediate gap, San Francisco elevated tight end Brayden Willis from the practice squad. But that wasn’t enough—the team needed more depth, and that’s where Rucci enters the picture. This signing isn’t just a band-aid; it’s a strategic play that could reshape the 49ers’ postseason run in ways opponents might not anticipate.

Hayden Rucci, a 24-year-old native of Lititz, Pennsylvania, brings a fresh injection of talent to the 49ers’ roster. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Miami Dolphins out of the University of Wisconsin in 2024, Rucci has already shown flashes of potential in the pros. During his brief stint with the Dolphins, he appeared in four games, logging 39 offensive snaps and 42 on special teams.

Rucci’s collegiate career at Wisconsin was solid, where he played in 36 games from 2019 to 2023. He hauled in 17 receptions for 200 yards and one touchdown, proving his reliability as a pass-catcher and blocker. But football runs in the family—his father, Todd Rucci, was an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots and even earned a spot on the team’s All-1990s squad. With that pedigree, Hayden is no stranger to the demands of the NFL.

Rucci’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. After starting with the Dolphins, he was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions during the 2025 season, only to be waived on December 10 and reclaimed by Miami two days later. Now, with the 49ers, he has a golden opportunity to make an impact in a high-stakes environment.

The Dolphins’ tight ends coach, Jon Embree, who worked with Rucci for two seasons in Miami, was visibly disappointed when the Lions claimed him. In a December press conference, Embree shared his thoughts: “Yes, yes, yes,” he said, echoing his frustration. “Words that my mother would not be happy with. It took me about five minutes. And then I talked to him on the phone. I’m happy. It’s a great opportunity for him, obviously.”

Embree even reached out to former player Ross Dwelley to mentor Rucci during his Lions stint, highlighting the young tight end’s potential. “He’s in Detroit to kind of take him under the wing … and help him make the adjustments,” Embree added. “So I’m happy for him, and I get it. It’s part of the business of this game, unfortunately.”

This endorsement from a respected coach like Embree underscores why the 49ers’ move could be a game-changer. Rucci’s versatility on offense and special teams makes him an ideal fit for a team scrambling to adapt without Kittle.

The 49ers didn’t stop at tight end. In the same roster shuffle, they signed safety Darrick Forrest to the practice squad, adding much-needed depth to the secondary. A fifth-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2021, Forrest has bounced around the league in 2025, with stops at the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, and Pittsburgh Steelers. His career stats—126 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and nine pass deflections in 40 games—make him a valuable asset for a defense that’s been tested this postseason.

On the offensive side, the team released wide receiver Javon Baker from the practice squad but secured wideout Colton Dowell with a reserve/future contract. Dowell, a 2023 seventh-round pick by the Tennessee Titans, has appeared in 10 games with one catch for three yards. This forward-thinking deal ensures the 49ers have options at receiver heading into the offseason.

With Kittle sidelined, the 49ers are facing an uphill battle, but moves like signing Rucci show they’re not backing down. This “done deal” could be the wildcard the NFL didn’t see coming—a young, hungry player stepping into the spotlight on one of the league’s premier teams. As San Francisco prepares for their next playoff matchup, all eyes will be on how Rucci and the new additions integrate into Kyle Shanahan’s system.

The NFL playoffs are full of surprises, and this signing might just be the spark the 49ers need to keep their championship dreams alive. Stay tuned— the Bay Area faithful are ready for the unexpected.