Could the Miami Dolphins be forced to play Sunday's critical AFC East showdown against the Buffalo Bills without one of the team's top defensive tackles?
Zach Sieler, whose 9.5 sacks ranks him second on the team, missed practice Wednesday ahead of Sunday night's game against the Bills, which will determine which team wins the AFC East division and gains the home field playoff game that comes with it.
Sieler, who played 46 of the 57 defensive snaps against the Ravens, seemingly suffered a hand injury during last week's 56-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but the specifics on his injury will be clarified later when an injury report is produced.
It's possible that Miami could be resting the sixth-year veteran with the intent of having him practice later this week. But if that's not the case, then Miami would be forced to face the Bills without three of the team's top defenders.
Pass rusher Bradley Chubb, who leads the team with 11 tackles, suffered a season-ending right knee injury against the Ravens, and likely will be placed on injured reserve this week.
The Dolphins also will be without cornerback Xavien Howard, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who suffered a right foot injury against the Ravens and likely will be held out of practice this week.
If Sieler, who has contributed 56 tackles, 20 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for losses, forced two fumbles and recovered another, and has one interception, isn't able to play against the Bills, the Dolphins will have to increase Raekwon Davis' snap count, and and potentially get Da'Shawn hand more involved.
It's also possible that Miami could have one or two of the three defensive tackles on the practice squad — Justin Ellis, Byron Cowart and rookie Brandon Pili — active for Sunday night's game by using one or both of their allotted practice squad elevations.
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