The New England Patriots signed free-agent tight end Giovanni Ricci (knee) to a Reserve/Futures deal on Monday. Ricci was on the Cleveland Browns' practice squad in 2024 but never was active for a regular-season game and was cut in August due to a knee injury. The 28-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan made his NFL debut in 2021 with the Carolina Panthers, with all 36 of his career games coming with Carolina. In three NFL seasons, Ricci has caught only nine of 12 targets for 102 yards and no touchdowns with the Panthers. Ricci is more of a blocker than a pass-catcher and will now represent tight end depth for the Patriots throughout the offseason and into training camp this summer. The most likely scenario is that he'll effective serve as a fullback for new Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Feb 3, 2025 7:02 PM EST
Carolina signed Ricci to a new contract Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
Jan 9, 2023 9:56 PM EST
Ricci (neck) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Dec 8, 2022 11:57 AM EST
Ricci (neck) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
Dec 7, 2022 12:31 PM EST
Ricci (neck) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
Nov 27, 2022 9:28 AM EST
Ricci (neck) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
Nov 25, 2022 11:13 AM EST
Ricci (neck) is inactive Sunday against the Ravens.
Nov 20, 2022 8:55 AM EST
Ricci (neck) was listed as a full participant on the Panthers' injury report Thursday.
Nov 17, 2022 12:15 PM EST
Ricci (neck) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
Nov 16, 2022 11:48 AM EST
Ricci (neck) is questionable to return to Thursday's contest against the Falcons, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Nov 10, 2022 7:06 PM EST
Ricci hauled in all three of his targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 37-15 loss to the 49ers.
Oct 10, 2022 12:32 PM EST
Ricci caught one of two targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 22-14 win over the Saints.
Sep 26, 2022 4:29 PM EST
Ricci practiced at full capacity Friday and carries no injury designation ahead of Carolina's Week 1 matchup versus Cleveland, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
Sep 9, 2022 11:25 AM EST
Ricci (hip) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
Sep 7, 2022 11:49 AM EST
Ricci has been ruled out for the remainder of Friday's preseason finale against the Bills due to a groin injury, Schuyler Callihan of SI.com reports.
Aug 26, 2022 6:41 PM EST
Ricci agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Panthers on Monday.
Jan 10, 2022 2:53 PM EST
Ricci (concussion) has been cleared to play for the Panthers' in their Week 8 contest with the Falcons on Sunday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Oct 29, 2021 10:32 AM EST
Ricci (concussion) won't play Sunday against the Giants, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Oct 22, 2021 10:18 AM EST
Ricci (concussion) missed practice again Thursday.
Oct 21, 2021 2:54 PM EST
Ricci has been active for both of the Panthers' first two games of the season, logging no targets across 27 total offensive snaps.
Sep 23, 2021 11:51 AM EST