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Dolphins Captain Zach Sieler Out for Season After Rupturing Biceps on First Play Against Lions
By Alexander Cole
Alexander Cole
The Library Media’s NFL writer on the Sports Desk.
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after rupturing his biceps on the first play of Sunday’s 19-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, according to reporting by ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, citing a source to Adam Schefter. CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell has also reported the injury.
The injury is particularly striking given that Sieler finished the game despite sustaining it on the opening play. The 31-year-old defensive tackle played 49 snaps on defense and special teams against Detroit.
According to ESPN’s source, Sieler is expected to undergo surgery and faces a projected recovery period of five to six months. A full recovery is expected. The reporting did not identify which arm was injured.
No formal team announcement was included in the reporting available for this story. The season-ending diagnosis and recovery outlook should therefore be understood as source-reported information.
A significant loss for Miami
Sieler is more than an established starter in Miami’s defensive front. He is a team captain and one of the franchise’s most productive defensive players over the past several seasons.
Originally selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Sieler was claimed off waivers by Miami in 2019.
He developed into one of the Dolphins’ most dependable defensive linemen, recording consecutive 10-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024.
Through eight games this season, Sieler had recorded 24 tackles and two sacks, both sacks coming against Minnesota in Week 4, according to CBS Sports and ESPN, respectively.
His production since arriving in Miami has been substantial: 37.5 sacks since 2019, the most by a Dolphin over that span; 235 quarterback pressures, also the most by a Miami player over that period; and two consecutive 10-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024.
Those numbers help explain why his absence represents a considerable challenge for a Miami defense already navigating a difficult season.
Sieler signed a three-year, $64 million contract extension in 2025 and remains under contract through 2029.
Hafley praises his captain
Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley offered an emphatic assessment of Sieler when speaking to reporters.
“I’ve kind of said it over and over again – I love Zach. I love him as a person. I love him as a player. I love talking to him on and off the field and the enthusiasm he brings, the leadership he brings. I can’t say enough good things about the guy and how much I appreciate and how much I respect him.”
Hafley’s remarks underscore the importance of Sieler’s leadership alongside his on-field contributions.
Miami, now 1-7, is rebuilding, and losing a veteran captain removes an established presence from a defensive line that will need to rely more heavily on younger players.
Opportunity for Miami’s younger defensive tackles
With Sieler unavailable, Miami’s defensive tackle snaps will increasingly fall to its younger options: Kenneth Grant, the second-year defensive tackle and 2025 first-round selection; Jordan Phillips, second-year and a 2025 fourth-round selection; and Zeek Biggers, second-year and a 2025 seventh-round selection.
The opportunity is significant, but replacing Sieler’s production and experience will be a difficult assignment. For a rebuilding team, the remaining schedule now offers these young defensive linemen an opportunity to demonstrate whether they can become meaningful contributors to Miami’s longer-term plans.
Trade speculation ends before deadline
Sieler’s injury also settles one question ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET NFL trade deadline. The season-ending injury effectively ends speculation about a potential trade involving the veteran defensive tackle before the deadline. Sieler had told reporters last month that he was not thinking about a trade and wanted to win in Miami.
His contract situation had made him a subject of potential trade discussion, but the injury changes that conversation considerably. With surgery and an extended rehabilitation period ahead, the immediate priority becomes his recovery.
Analysis: The cost extends beyond the stat sheet
For Miami, this is a loss measured in more than sacks and quarterback pressures.
Sieler had become a consistent presence in the defensive front, a productive pass rusher, and a respected captain. Those qualities are particularly difficult to replace during a rebuilding season.
The circumstances of the injury make the story even more remarkable: Sieler sustained it on the first play against Detroit and nevertheless continued playing through the remainder of the game.
Miami’s young defensive tackles now face an opportunity to take on larger roles, but the Dolphins should not expect a straightforward one-for-one replacement.
At 1-7, the organization’s longer-term priorities are clear. Developing Grant, Phillips and Biggers becomes increasingly important, while Sieler’s recovery will be a major consideration heading into the offseason.
The immediate loss is substantial. The longer-term question is whether Miami can develop the next generation of its defensive front while awaiting the return of one of its most productive players.
Reporting based on ESPN and CBS Sports.
— Alexander Cole, Sports Desk
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