Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler suffered a freak eye injury in practice Thursday that will keep him out of Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, at a minimum, according to multiple reports Friday.
A poke in the eye during Thursday’s practice left Sieler, 29, with a fractured orbital, which is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the eye socket.
The Dolphins are reportedly still in the process of determining Sieler’s next course of treatment, which could include surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture.
A seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Ravens, Sieler appeared in six games with the Ravens before being picked up on waivers by the Dolphins in 2019. After establishing himself as a regular part of Miami’s defensive line rotation, Sieler signed a three-year, $30.8 million extension in 2023.
Starting all six games this season, Sieler has 18 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
He recorded a career-high total in tackles (70) in 2022 and had a personal best of 10 sacks last season. He has 273 tackles, 22 sacks, five fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles in 82 career games (56 starts) with the Baltimore Ravens (2018-19) and Dolphins.
To help in Sieler’s absence, on Friday Miami signed veteran rotational defensive lineman Matt Dickerson to its practice squad.
Miami also placed quarterback Tyler Huntley (passing shoulder) on injured reserve and signed receiver Dee Eskridge to the active roster. Hunley started the past three games but Tua Tagovailoa will return from a concusstion to start Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
