MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler will miss the remainder of the season because of a ruptured biceps, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter, leaving Miami without a critical team leader and captain.
Sieler suffered the injury on the first play of Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions, the source told Schefter, and he still played 49 snaps on defense and special teams. He is expected to fully recover from the injury in five to six months.
Sieler was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round of the 2018 draft and was claimed off waivers by the Dolphins the following season. He established himself as a productive starter in Miami, registering consecutive seasons with 10 sacks in 2023 and 2024.
Sieler signed multiple extensions with the Dolphins, most recently a three-year, $64 million deal in 2025. His extension did not stop the Dolphins from drafting three defensive tackles in 2025, including first-round pick Kenneth Grant, fourth-round pick Jordan Phillips and seventh-round pick Zeek Biggers -- each of whom play regularly on Miami's defensive line.
Sieler embraced his role as the leader in the room, even on a rebuilding team, and said their additions haven't changed his desire to spend the remainder of his career in Miami. Sieler recorded two sacks this season, both against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.
With Sieler injured, the second-year trio of Grant, Phillips and Biggers will see an uptick in snaps. Sieler's injury also puts to bed any rumor that he will be traded before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.
With the Dolphins sitting at 1-7, Sieler is one of few veteran players who could attract attention from contenders in need of defensive line help. He told reporters last month that he wasn't thinking about any potential trade and wanted to win with the Dolphins. Coach Jeff Hafley also told reporters that Sieler is a valuable leader whom he loves having on the team.
"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," Hafley said. "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. So that's how I feel about him."