Dolphins DT Zach Sieler To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

Sieler suffered the injury on the Dolphins’ first defensive play against the Lions in Week 9, per Schefter. The 31-year-old managed to stay in for the rest of the game and take the field for 42 defensive snaps, but he is now facing a lengthy recovery process. Sieler will need around five to six months to return to full strength.

Although the Dolphins launched a full-fledged rebuild under the first-year tandem of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, Sieler has made it known he has no interest in a trade. For their part, Sullivan and Hafley have identified Sieler as a key member of their core and a good influence on a roster loaded with young players. Teams inquired about Sieler in recent weeks, but the Dolphins turned them away.

A 2018 seventh-round pick of the Ravens in 2018, Sieler was the last selection Ozzie Newsome made during his 17-year run as their GM. Sieler didn’t last long in Baltimore, though, as Miami claimed him off waivers in December 2019. He quickly became a steal for ex-Dolphins GM Chris Grier, who awarded Sieler a three-year, $30.75MM extension in August 2023. Sieler then recorded back-to-back 10-sack seasons and combined for 24 tackles for loss and 41 quarterback hits, leading Grier to hand him a second extension – a three-year, $67.75MM pact with $34MM in guarantees – in August 2025. Grier went on to lose his job a little under three months later. Meanwhile, Sieler put up his second 17-start campaign, led Dolphins defensive linemen in snap share (72.83%), and notched 5.5 sacks, 10 TFL and nine QB hits.

The Dolphins were even more reliant on Sieler this year before he succumbed to this injury, as he played 76% of their defensive snaps during their 1-7 start. He chipped in two sacks, seven TFL and five QB hits, but Pro Football Focus ranks his overall performance 113th among 126 qualifying interior defensive linemen.

For the first time since his second year, the durable Sieler will end a season with fewer than 15 appearances. Unless Miami trades or releases him in the offseason, he will play his ninth year in South Florida in 2027. Sieler is under contract through 2029.