The Miami Dolphins have received some much-needed reinforcements on defense with the impending return of their captain, veteran defensive tackle Zach Sieler. After suffering a fracture to his orbital bone during practice on October 24, Sieler took to the field again—though not fully intact—leading up to the Dolphins' important game against the Los Angeles Rams this upcoming Monday.
Known for his pivotal role on the team, Sieler missed the last two games, both losses—a reality he's found tough to cope with. "It kills me,” he lamented. “It sucks to be in the trenches — working with these guys day-in and day-out — and then just on a Thursday, just be able to say ‘Hey look guys, it’s on y’all this week.’" Unlike the high-scoring games they've been accustomed to, the Dolphins have allowed 28 and 30 points to their opponents, demonstrating a need for added strength on defense.
Expressing optimism about his recovery, Sieler detailed the incident leading to his injury: "I don’t know what it was, but something got up in my mask," he recalls. The immediate aftermath of the injury saw him dealing with swelling but thankfully not lasting vision problems. “God looked out,” he affirmed, commenting on his lucky escape without serious long-term damage.
Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has emphasized how valuable Sieler’s presence is, stating, "I am a much more effective coach when he is on the field." Currently, Sieler holds impressive statistics from the season prior to his injury, including 18 combined tackles, two sacks, and even contributions like a fumble recovery and interception across six games played. His defensive prowess doesn’t just stand out on stats alone; even outside linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah expressed joy at the prospect of Sieler's return, stating: "Everybody loves when Zach is out there.”
Before Sieler got sidelined, he was the cornerstone for the Dolphins’ defense, known for his ability to rally and unify the team. Now, his focus is on refining the defense to contain the Rams' potent offense, headlined by quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Kyren Williams, who has had success this season with significant rushing yards and touchdowns. Williams was recognized for finishing with the third-highest rushing yards and the second-most rushing touchdowns as of Week 10 of the NFL season.
“The biggest thing for this week is being gap sound,” Sieler emphasized, stressing the importance of teamwork. If he gets the green light to play, Sieler is hopeful he can help raise the bar for defensive execution against the Rams. “We have to play our style of defense which is do your job, your one piece of 11,” he said, alluding to the collective effort needed for success on the field.
The anticipation surrounding Sieler’s possible return also encapsulates the larger narrative of the Dolphins' season. There have been mixed reviews about the team's performance this year. Some pundits have raised questions about whether the Dolphins are living up to their record. Can they overcome the struggles and rise to the challenge with key players like Sieler back on the field?
Across the league, there’s never any shortage of controversy, particularly around officiation and key plays. Most recently, the focus has turned to the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens matchup viewed as pivotal for both franchises. The presence of top quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson brings added excitement to their games, though it also raises scrutiny on officiation consistency.
Officiation errors continue to be contentious issues for fans and analysts alike, with cases such as the missed face mask call during the Bengals-Ravens game drawing ire from supporters. This isn't the first time questionable calls have created ripples throughout the NFL, and many are calling for more transparency and accountability within the officiation ranks. Refereeing remains one of the hottest talking points, not just for fans but for players who find their performances affected by broken calls.
Meanwhile, back in Miami, the Dolphins find themselves at yet another crossroads. They’re driven to step up their game and return to form following disappointing performances. Sieler’s impact, if he can make it back, may serve as the catalyst the team needs to execute on both sides of the ball effectively. This week, fans will be watching closely to see how the return of their leader changes the dynamics on the field.
Once the Dolphins gear up against the Rams, it will be more than just another game—it could be the turning point of the season. With key players like Sieler pushing through their injuries, the atmosphere within the team is bound to heat up, offering glimmers of hope and excitement for the weeks to come. Will Sieler’s resounding return spark the Dolphins back to life against the formidable Rams, or will they continue to grapple with the struggles of their season? The answer lies just around the corner as the season progresses.
