Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler suffered an unusual eye injury during Thursday’s practice, which will keep him sidelined for at least Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to multiple reports.
The injury occurred when he was poked in the eye, resulting in a fractured orbital bone. Sieler, 29, has started all six games this season, recording 18 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He achieved a career-high 70 tackles in 2022 and set a personal record with 10 sacks last season. Over his career, which spans 82 games (56 starts) with the Baltimore Ravens (2018-19) and the Dolphins, he has amassed 273 tackles, 22 sacks, five fumble recoveries, and four forced fumbles.
In response to Sieler’s injury, the Dolphins signed veteran defensive lineman Matt Dickerson to their practice squad on Friday. Additionally, they placed quarterback Tyler Huntley (shoulder injury) on injured reserve and added receiver Dee Eskridge to the active roster. Huntley, who started the last three games, will be replaced by Tua Tagovailoa, who is returning from a concussion for Sunday’s game.
The Dolphins are reportedly assessing Sieler’s treatment options, which may include surgery, depending on the fracture’s severity.
Sieler, a seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Ravens, played in six games for Baltimore before being claimed off waivers by Miami in 2019. He solidified his role in the Dolphins’ defensive line and signed a three-year, $30.8 million extension in 2023.