MIAMI GARDENS, Florida, November 10, 2026 — The Miami Dolphins are set to lose defensive tackle Zach Sieler for the remainder of the season after the team captain ruptured his biceps during Sunday’s 19-9 defeat by the Detroit Lions.
Sieler suffered the injury on the opening play of the game but continued playing through the contest. Reports say he is expected to undergo surgery, with a recovery period of approximately five to six months.
The 31-year-old has recorded 24 tackles and two sacks in eight starts this season. He has been one of Miami’s most dependable defensive players since joining the team in 2019, and his leadership has been especially important to a young roster under first-year coach Jeff Hafley.
The injury is a significant setback for a Dolphins team that has struggled through the opening part of the campaign. Sieler’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and hold the line against the run has made him a central part of the defensive rotation.
His absence also changes the team’s position ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Sieler had been discussed as a possible target for clubs seeking defensive-line help, but the reported surgery and rehabilitation timeline remove that possibility for the remainder of the season.
Miami has not publicly detailed every aspect of the injury in the initial reports. The expected surgery and recovery estimate mean the Dolphins will need to find other players to absorb his snaps while Sieler focuses on rehabilitation.