The Miami Dolphins have lost one of their leaders for the rest of the year.

Defensive tackle Zach Sieler will miss the remainder of the season with a ruptured biceps, according to reports Tuesday. He is expected to make a full recovery in five to six months.

Sieler got hurt on the first play of Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions. He stayed in the game anyway and played 49 snaps on defense and special teams.

From waiver claim to captain

Sieler was a seventh-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. Miami claimed him off waivers the next year and he turned into a reliable starter.

He posted 10 sacks in both 2023 and 2024. In 2025 he signed a three-year extension worth $64 million. He has two sacks this season, both against Minnesota in Week 4.

The injury also ends any talk of a trade before Tuesday's deadline. With Miami at 1-7, Sieler was one of the few veterans who might have drawn interest from contenders. He said last month he wanted to win in Miami.

"I love Zach"

Coach Jeff Hafley has made clear how much Sieler means to the team.

"I love Zach. I love him as a person. I love him as a player," Hafley said. "I can't say enough good things about the guy and how much I appreciate and how much I respect him."

Young linemen step in

Miami drafted three defensive tackles in 2025 with first-round pick Kenneth Grant, fourth-rounder Jordan Phillips and seventh-rounder Zeek Biggers. All three already play regularly and will now see even more snaps.