Defensive tackle Zach Sieler is expected to be back in the lineup Monday after missing two games.
The Miami Dolphins defense desperately missed its anchor in the trenches over the last two games. They struggled to stop the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals, surrendering 58 points over the last eight quarters while defensive tackle Zach Sieler was sidelined with a fractured orbital bone.
In his eighth season, Sieler has been a steadying force on Miami’s defense, helping fill the void left by Christian Wilkins’ departure. He’s logged 18 tackles, two sacks, and an interception through six games, and there’s hope he’ll return Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams.
“Yeah, I think it’s huge,” defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said of Sieler’s possible return. “He should be a Pro Bowl and All-Pro player. The impact he has for us obviously off the field is tremendous and then on the field he’s showed up consistently and has been impactful all year.
“And then the connectivity he has with Calais [Campbell] in terms of their communication – both to talk nonverbally and verbally and what they’re hearing from the offensive line and being able to use that to their advantage; you miss that a little bit with him out.”
The Dolphins defense is one of the worst units at rushing the quarterback, averaging just 1.3 sacks per game entering Week 10. Miami has three sacks over the last month and just one in the two games Sieler has missed.
Miami pass rushers Emmanuel Ogbah, Chop Robinson, and Jaelan Phillips have combined for four sacks this season, matching the total of Campbell and Sieler. Injuries have taken a toll on Miami’s edge rushing group, but Sieler’s return would open up more one-on-one opportunities on the outside.
“If he can get out there and play, man, like I told you guys last week,” Weaver said. “I am a much better coach and it certainly enhances our pass rush, too.”
