Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Miami Dolphins

As the Miami Dolphins gear up for a critical stretch of the season with playoff aspirations on the line, the team announced a significant roster move on Tuesday: defensive tackle Zach Sieler has been officially placed on injured reserve (IR) after suffering a high ankle sprain in the Dolphins’ Week 16 win over the New England Patriots. The designation means Sieler will miss at least the next four games, including the team’s regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills and potentially the first three games of the playoffs if Miami secures a spot. Sieler, a key rotational player in the Dolphins’ defensive line rotation, has been a steady presence against both the run and pass this season, making his absence a notable blow to a unit already dealing with minor injuries. Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Miami Dolphins breaks down the details of Sieler’s injury, the roster implications, how the Dolphins plan to replace him, and what the move means for their defensive strategy moving forward.

Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Miami Dolphins comes after Sieler underwent further evaluation on Monday, which confirmed the severity of his ankle injury. The 28-year-old defensive tackle was injured in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, when he was tangled up with a Patriots offensive lineman while making a tackle on running back Rhamondre Stevenson. He immediately limped off the field and did not return, with initial tests suggesting a sprain. Subsequent MRI results revealed a high ankle sprain—a more serious injury that typically requires 4-6 weeks of recovery time, aligning with the IR designation’s minimum four-game absence. Sieler’s impact this season has been understated but vital: in 15 games, he’s recorded 42 tackles, 3 sacks, and 8 quarterback hits, while ranking 12th among NFL defensive tackles in run-stop win rate (per Pro Football Focus). “Zach is the kind of player who does the dirty work that doesn’t show up in the box score but makes our defense better,” said Dolphins defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. “He’s consistent, he’s tough, and he’s a leader in the locker room. Losing him is a setback, but we have to adjust and move forward.”

To understand the roster implications of Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Miami Dolphins, look at how the team plans to fill Sieler’s spot on both the active roster and the defensive line rotation. The Dolphins wasted no time addressing the vacancy, announcing that they have signed defensive tackle Benito Jones from their practice squad to the active roster. Jones, a third-year player out of Mississippi, has spent most of the season on the practice squad but has appeared in four games this year, recording 7 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. He’ll join a rotation that includes Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis, and rookie Da’Shawn Hand, who was signed earlier this month to add depth. The Dolphins also have the option to elevate another defensive tackle from the practice squad, such as Jonathan Ledbetter, for game days if needed. “Benito has worked hard all season, and he’s ready for this opportunity,” Boyer said. “He’s familiar with our system, he’s strong against the run, and he’s shown flashes of pass-rushing ability in practice. We’re confident he can step in and contribute.” The move to sign Jones ensures the Dolphins don’t have to dip into their draft capital or trade assets to fill the gap, a strategic choice that keeps their long-term roster flexibility intact.

Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Miami Dolphins also forces adjustments to the team’s defensive game plan, particularly against run-heavy offenses like the Bills, whom they face in Week 18. With Sieler sidelined, the Dolphins will likely rely more on Wilkins and Davis to anchor the interior, while using Jones and Hand in short-yardage and run-defense situations. The team may also shift to more nickel and dime packages on passing downs, which use extra defensive backs instead of defensive tackles, to compensate for the loss of Sieler’s pass-rushing ability. For the Miami Dolphins, these adjustments are about maximizing their remaining talent while minimizing the impact of Sieler’s absence. “We can’t replace Zach with one player—we have to replace him with a collective effort,” Boyer explained. “That means our defensive ends will have to set the edge better against the run, our linebackers will have to fill gaps quicker, and our secondary will have to limit big plays if the run game gets going. It’s a team sport, and everyone has to step up.” The Dolphins’ defense has already shown adaptability this season, ranking 7th in the NFL in total defense despite injuries to other key players, which bodes well for their ability to adjust to Sieler’s absence.

Another layer of Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Miami Dolphins is the reaction from Sieler’s teammates, who have expressed both support for his recovery and confidence in the team’s ability to overcome the loss. Wilkins, who has played alongside Sieler for four seasons, noted that Sieler’s leadership will be missed as much as his on-field production. “Zach is like a brother to me—we’ve been through a lot together,” Wilkins said. “He’s the guy who keeps everyone loose in the locker room but also holds us accountable. We’re going to miss him, but we know he’ll be cheering us on from the sidelines. Our job now is to play well enough to give him a chance to come back and play in the playoffs.” Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also weighed in, emphasizing the team’s resilience. “Injuries are part of the game, and we’ve faced them before,” Tagovailoa said. “The key is how we respond. Our defense has always stepped up when it matters most, and I have no doubt they’ll do it again. We’re all behind Zach, and we can’t wait to see him back on the field.” For the Miami Dolphins, this unity is critical—keeping morale high during a challenging time can make the difference between a successful season and a disappointing one.

The final dimension of Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Miami Dolphins is the long-term outlook for Sieler and the team. While the IR designation rules him out for the regular season’s final weeks, there is hope that he could return if the Dolphins advance deep into the playoffs. High ankle sprains typically heal within 4-6 weeks, meaning Sieler could be ready to play by the AFC Championship Game if Miami reaches that stage. For the Miami Dolphins, this gives the team a light at the end of the tunnel—a chance to get a key player back for the most important games of the year. “Our medical staff is working closely with Zach to ensure he has the best possible recovery,” said Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. “We’re not putting a timeline on his return beyond the IR minimum, but we’re optimistic that he’ll be able to contribute again this season if we keep winning. In the meantime, we’re focused on the players we have, and we’re going to prepare them to win every game left on our schedule.” As the Dolphins move forward, the IR designation is a reminder of the challenges of an NFL season—but it’s also an opportunity for other players to step up, for the team to grow closer, and for Miami to prove that they’re a playoff contender even when faced with adversity. “We’re not going to let this stop us,” Wilkins said. “We have a goal, and we’re going to keep fighting until we reach it.”