Zach Sieler to Undergo Surgery, Ending His Season With the Dolphins

Zach Sieler tore his biceps during the Miami Dolphins’ 19-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, ending his season.

An Associated Press source familiar with the situation confirmed the injury on Tuesday, noting that surgery is required.

The Associated Press reported that the source spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the team nor Sieler had publicly confirmed the diagnosis. ESPN initially broke the news of the injury, reporting that it occurred during the first play of Sunday’s game.

Recovery is expected to take five to six months. That timeline rules Sieler out for the remainder of the Dolphins’ campaign.

Despite the severe arm injury, Sieler played every snap of Sunday’s contest. He pressured Lions quarterback Jared Goff and recorded a tackle, helping the Miami defense limit the Detroit offense throughout the afternoon.

The veteran defensive lineman has accumulated 24 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks this season. This is his eighth year with the franchise.

At 30 years old, Sieler is the only player past his third decade on a Miami roster that stands as the youngest in the NFL. Head coach Jeff Hafley has repeatedly pointed to his steady presence as a vital anchor for the locker room.

“It’s valuable for me. It’s valuable for our young players,” Hafley said in October. “To have a guy like him alongside the young guys on this team and be able to rely on him, because not only does he do all that, but he’s also one of the best people there are. There aren’t many individuals better than Zach Sieler.”

Medical projections set the rehab window at half a year. Sieler will undergo a surgical procedure before beginning physical therapy.

Miami prepares for upcoming fixtures without its defensive pillar on the field. The team must decide which players will replace his production and leadership on the offensive and defensive lines.