Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Zach Sieler is expected to return to action Monday after missing two games due to a fractured eye socket he suffered in practice. When the defensive team captain returns to the lineup, he will be putting on a visor that he will not give up any time soon, or ever.
“My wife says I’m going to wear a visor for the rest of my career,” Sieler told reporters Thursday with a laugh. “But she’s right. I’ll be honest, I don’t want to go through something like that again.”
The 29-year-old Sieler isn't entirely sure what happened during two weeks of training that caused his eye injury.
“My head went back and something hit my face or my hand, I don't know what it was,” Sieler said. “I remember I was just standing on the edge and I don't know what it was, but something came up in my mask and I just remember my head going back and I just had to put my hand down – kind of dark, There’s no other way to say it.”
The Dolphins' defense did not play well in Sieler's absence. First, it allowed the Arizona Cardinals to accumulate 389 yards of offense in a 28-27 loss – the most Miami has allowed in a game in 2024. Then the Dolphins couldn't stop it in the second half of a 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Would Sieler have made a difference?
“I would like to think I bring some energy [the defense]said Sieler. “I think these guys have done a great job the last few weeks. I think they kept it under 100 yards and pushed both teams, and I hope I can come back and do even better.”
In six games this season, Sieler has recorded two sacks, three tackles for loss and five quarterback hits. He is one of five players on the Dolphins' defense, along with Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell, Kendall Fuller and Marcus Maye .